Alzarri Joseph says Windies have to play harder, dig deeper to level ODI series

By January 21, 2021

West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph believes he and his teammates need to strive to be better for the second ODI against Bangladesh that bowls off on Friday. The Windies trail 0-1 in the series following their six-wicket loss to the home side on Wednesday.

Batting on a tricky pitch, the West Indies were bowled out for 122 with only Kyle Mayers, who made 40 and Rovman Powell, 28, making any scores of note. In reply, Bangladesh scored 125 for 4 from 33.5 overs to take the early series lead.

The Antiguan believes that for the West Indies to level the three-match series, it was imperative that everyone on the team, raises their game.

"Everyone is aware of what's at stake. Everyone is pumped up to give a better showing in the second ODI. It is really important for us to come in. This game is even more important than the last one. If we lose this game, it's the series,” Joseph said.

“Everyone knows exactly what they need to do. We have to play harder, dig deeper and push the Bangladeshis all the way. From ball one to ball 300."

The West Indies fielded six debutants in Wednesday’s match all of whom struggled with the bat. However, Joseph believes the lack of experience should not be an excuse for mediocre performances.

"It probably might have boiled down to not having the experience playing against a team that is well experienced. Probably a bit of (lack of) application as well. But, that being said, we have already seen what is there to come at us, so we have no excuses in the second ODI,” he said.

“We have seen their bowling attack and somewhat of their batting. So we should be well prepared to give a better showing in the second ODI.”

Leighton Levy

Leighton Levy is a journalist with 28 years’ experience covering crime, entertainment, and sports. He joined the staff at SportsMax.TV as a content editor two years ago and is enjoying the experience of developing sports content and new ideas. At SportsMax.tv he is pursuing his true passion - sports.

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