POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa, CMC – New captain Shai Hope says he wants to see more fighting spirit from West Indies to create a winning mentality in One-Day Internationals and believes the entire side can learn from the excellence of Alzarri Joseph.
In the wake of his side’s four-wicket defeat to South Africa in the final ODI at Senwes Park, Hope said it was critical that West Indies always brought the “attitude to win” into each series.
“Really and truly, I would like to see the attitude improve. We need to show that die-hard fight a lot longer,” Hope said after presiding over his first series, which finished in a 1-1 draw.
“We know that winning is a habit, and in the same way winning is a habit, losing can be a habit as well, so we need to find ways to turn that around and fight as hard as possible.
“You never know; cricket is one of those games where you never know what’s going to happen in the back end, so as long as you put that effort in and have that attitude to win, things normally happen in your favor.”
He added: “We need to create winning habits, and the only way to do that is by winning games and finding ways to win games.”
West Indies were splendid in the second ODI last Saturday following the washout of Thursday’s opener, gathering 335 to post their highest ODI total in four years and highest-ever against South Africa.
They followed up with a solid bowling effort to earn a 48-run victory, despite a magnificent 142 from Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma, who missed Tuesday’s game through injury.
Needing to win the finale here to seal their first series triumph over South Africa in three decades, West Indies faltered for 260 and then watched as Heinrich Klaasen lashed an unbeaten 119 to steer his side to victory with 20 overs to spare.
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who led the attack in the preceding Test series with 12 wickets, was at the forefront again, taking six wickets in the two matches at an average of 17. Hope said the 26-year-old exemplified the excellence West Indies needed to embrace.
“One thing about Alzarri – any time I throw the ball to him or any previous captain [threw the ball to him], you always expect something to happen,” Hope said.
“He’s one of those guys that gives his all regardless of the situation, and I think all of us as players need to take a leaf out of his book.
“He’s just one of those exciting guys always willing to learn. He’s always helpful in improving. He’s always asking questions, watching videos – all those things to improve his game.
“So definitely, we need to look at that, and hopefully, we can incorporate it into everyone’s game.”
West Indies will now turn their attention to the three-match Twenty20 International series, which bowls off next weekend with a day-night double-header in East London.
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