Nottingham: Wicket-keeper Shai Hope admitted the manner of West Indies’ defeat to Australia was a hard pill to swallow after his side enjoyed a commanding position for the majority of the game at Trent Bridge.
Australia, who were reeling at 79/5, recovered to post 288 and then a brilliant spell of bowling by left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc (5/46) was sufficient to ensure a 15-run victory– despite Hope’s composed knock of 68.
“This is going to be a tough pill to swallow having basically been dominating the game for the majority of it and then not being able to cross the line,” Hope said after the game, Thursday.
“Regardless of what happens we have to play cricket on the day. We always play the best we possibly can and the better team will win on the day,” added the Windies keeper.
It was ultimately scant consolation but both Hope and outfielder Sheldon Cottrell grasped stunning catches during the game. Hope delighted the crowd when he flew to his left to scoop up a one-handed grab that removed Usman Khawaja for 13 off the bowling of Andre Russell.
But the 25-year-old admitted he was bettered by Cottrell’s effort to finally dismiss Smith – as he caught the ball one-handed while tip-toeing along the boundary rope, then flicked the ball back in the air as he crossed the rope before stepping back on to the field complete the catch.
“Easily (the better catch) by Cottrell, that was an amazing effort. At first I wasn’t sure if he had it but then I realised it was a proper catch,” pointed out Hope.
“For mine, it was just one of those things. I just had to go – I didn’t really have much time to think. Andre bowled a pretty decent delivery and I just saw the white thing and tried to catch it,” Hope informed.
The West Indies’ seam quartet of Russell, Cottrell, Carlos Brathwaite and Oshane Thomas caused havoc with aggressive, short-pitched bowling with the new ball before Australia recovered. Hope insisted the team will continue with the same tactic.
“Most definitely, as long as you get wickets with the new ball you always put teams under pressure,” Hope pointed out.
“It was just unfortunate we couldn’t drive home and get the tail in a bit earlier. But that’s how cricket plays and we know Australia are a quality side. They’ve shown us that they can build and we have learnt from them. Hopefully it will help us in our future games,” Hope signed off.
PTI
