'We wanted to make Garry Sobers proud': Roston Chase dedicates West Indies' Test win over Pakistan to legend

NEW DELHI: West Indies captain Roston Chase said his team’s 90-run victory over Pakistan in the opening Test was a tribute to legendary all-rounder Garry Sobers, with the players determined to honour the cricket great. Sobers, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the game’s history, passed away on July 17 at the age of 89. Tuesday marked what would have been his 90th birthday.

‘We wanted to make him proud’

Following West Indies’ victory at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Chase revealed that the team had spoken about Sobers before the match.

“We wanted to make him proud and had a chat about it before the match. I hope he is smiling down on us.”

Chase also thanked the fans who turned up to support the home side.

“I also want to thank the Trinidad crowd for coming out and supporting us. It was not a big crowd, but it gave us enough energy and support to go out there and perform,” Chase said.

The win handed West Indies a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

Chase praises team’s preparation

West Indies entered the Pakistan series after a 1-0 Test series victory over Sri Lanka, and Chase said the team’s recent performances were the result of months of hard work.

“I think these two teams that we’ve played, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, they’re closer to us in the rankings. I don’t want to say they’re teams we should beat, but I think it’s a more even contest between us.”

— windiescricket (@windiescricket) 'We wanted to make Garry Sobers

He further said, “The guys are confident and over the last few months we’ve been putting in some extra hard work. We had a camp as well before the Sri Lanka series and I think that really helped us become closer as a unit and also work on our weaknesses and improve our strengths as well. So I think that this is the upliftment of that practice and camp.”

Seamers dominate the Test

Fast bowlers dominated throughout the match at Tarouba, with all 40 wickets falling to seam bowling.

Justin Greaves starred with 5/27 in Pakistan’s first innings, while Jayden Seales claimed 5/20 in the second innings. Together, they picked up 13 wickets.

Greaves also produced the rare achievement of bowling five successive wicket maidens in Pakistan’s first innings.

Speaking about the conditions, Chase said, “I think it just goes to show that it was more friendly towards the seamers. The Pakistani spinner (Ali Usman) bowled a number of overs (13 in the first innings), he didn’t get a wicket. (Jomel) Warrican bowled a few (18 across two innings), didn’t get a wicket and didn’t look too threatening as well. The (fast bowlers) really put the ball in the right areas and it paid off.”

Chase hails Justin Greaves

Chase said Greaves’ disciplined bowling made the difference.

“I spoke to Justin about being disciplined and trying to starve the Pakistani batsmen of runs. I thought that would build the pressure, especially on a wicket where the ball was doing a lot. He got one wicket and everything just started to flow in his favour. He put the ball in the right areas.”

He added, “He bowled five consecutive wicket-maidens, which is a great skill to have because you’re able to build pressure, stop the scoring rate and also get wickets. Usually, you’re just keeping it tight and not really getting wickets, or you get wickets but the run rate might be flowing. For him to have that skill where he can do both, I think he’s of great value for this team.”

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Seales and Chanderpaul earn captain’s backing

Chase was equally pleased to see Jayden Seales return to form with a five-wicket haul.

“I’m very pleased for Jayden Seales as well. He’s not been getting those big wicket hauls of recent, but to see him come here with that discipline, patience and have that determination to come and put on the ball in the right areas after not really having the best of times, I’m very happy for him.”

The West Indies skipper also defended opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, whose slow innings of 21 and 35 attracted criticism.

“He’s undervalued in the eyes of the public and the media. The game finished in four days, so it’s not really a big issue if he bats slowly. His role is to wear down the bowlers and make it a lot easier for the batsmen coming in.”

He further explained, “So even if he doesn’t get that big score, once he occupies the crease for at least two hours, 100 balls, 150 balls, he’s done a great job of seeing off the new ball. It’s not always about how fast you score or how many runs you score, especially as an opener. It’s about how much time you spend at the crease and getting the bowlers tired for the rest of the team to come in and play their natural game.”

The second and final Test between West Indies and Pakistan will begin in Port of Spain on August 2.