Rain Saves WI’s Blushes As Skipper Pollard Hits Out At Squad
Kieron Pollard was a relieved man when the third and final Twenty20 International (T20I) against New Zealand was abandoned because of heavy rain today (30 November).
And the West Indies captain, who oversaw a shocking 2-0 series defeat, was swift to take a swipe at his entire squad after just 14 balls were played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
The tourists, who suffered an embarrassing 72-run defeat the previous day on the slow pitch at Bay Oval, reached 25-1 off 2.2 overs before the heavens opening. And Pollard, whose majestic unbeaten knock of 75 was not quite enough as the Windies slipped up by five wickets in last week’s opening T20I contest in Auckland, blasted his players following their tepid performances.
The 33-year-old Trinidadian fumed: “I didn’t expect us to play this badly as a unit. Over the past decade or so we’ve come here as a team and not really done well.
“From a fielding point of view it is about the attitude, that’s the time when you’re actually 11 vs two on the park.
“If guys will continue to show the [bad] attitude, some of us will be missing the boat for the T20I World Cup. We were totally outplayed in all departments.
“As individuals we need a good look at ourselves in the mirror. This is international cricket, you don’t want to be a laughing stock – certainly I don’t want to.”
Jamaica’s Brandon King hit a four and a six, scoring 11 before Jimmy Neesham caught him off Lockie Ferguson in the second over. Barbados’ Kyle Mayers (5no) and Grenada’s Andre Fletcher (4no) were at the crease when rain stopped play.
The first of two Test matches will take place on Thursday, at Hamilton’s Seddon Park, when the Windies bring in their Test squad that are led by Barbados’ all rounder Jason Holder.
New Zealand v West Indies tour
27 November
1st T20I | NZ beat WI by 5 wickets (using the DLS method)
WI 180-7 (16 overs), NZ 176-5 (15.2 overs)
Eden Park, Auckland
29 November
2nd T20I | NZ beat WI by 72 runs
NZ 238-6 (20 overs), WI 166-9 (20 overs)
Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
30 November
3rd T20I | NZ drew with WI (match abandoned)
WI 25-1 (2.2 overs)
Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
3-7 December
1st Test
Seddon Park, Hamilton
11-15 December
2nd Test
Basin Reserve, Wellington
Download The Jamaican Blogs™ App for your Android device: HERE
Remember to share this article on Facebook and other Social Media Platforms. To submit your own articles or to advertise with us please send us an EMAIL at: [email protected]