MYSORE – West Indies “A” team players are confident the change of location and format will have no effect on their momentum as they prepare to face India “A” here in the opening four-day first-class match.
The teams battled each other in the limited overs matches in Bangalore and have spent the last few days preparing for the longer format.
First ball at the Gangothri Glades Cricket Ground is midnight tomorrow.
Under captain Kieran Powell, the Windies rebounded brilliantly to win the 50-over series 2-1, while the Indians won the one-off T20 match.
Kirk Edwards, who has taken over the captaincy for the four-day matches, has advised his players to be “patient and watchful” as they face the more experienced opposition.
“We played well in the limited overs matches and we have good momentum. We have changed locations and the conditions here look very good for first-class cricket. We are confident and we will bring that confidence into the longer format. Powell did a good job as captain the first half, so I will just look to continue the good work,” Edwards said yesterday.
“We have some new players coming into the team and everyone has fitted in very well. The mood in the camp is very good. We have excellent support staff who help to keep us relaxed.
“We had a productive training session today [yesterday] and we are looking forward to the start of the match.”
The 28-year-old Edwards is familiar with conditions on the subcontinent, having played three Tests against the Indians two years ago. He made 60 in the second innings at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, and followed up with 86 in the first innings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
“I have played here before and we have a few other members of team who have played Test cricket here as well,” Edwards said.
“I have spoken to the team and stressed the importance of being patient when we bat as well as when we bowl.
You have to be prepared [to] work hard, but you will always get your rewards.” (PR)
