Andre Coley has insisted the West Indies are determined to finish 2024 with a victory
West Indies head coach Andre Coley stated on Wednesday that the team needs to move past their disappointing home Test series against South Africa and focus on ending the year on a high note as they prepare for their two-match Test series against Bangladesh, set to begin in Antigua on November 22.
Although part of the World Test Championship, the series holds little significance for both teams, as Bangladesh and West Indies are currently ranked eighth and ninth in the standings, with point percentages of 27.50 and 18.52, respectively.
However, the West Indies will be eager to close out the year with a victory, as their only Test success so far remains a 1-1 draw in the series against Australia.
Following their series against Australia, West Indies struggled with three consecutive losses to England but showed improvement against South Africa, drawing the first Test and narrowly losing the second by 40 runs—an outcome Coley described as a major disappointment.
“Ending the year on a winning note is very important because the South Africa series was disappointing all around,” Coley said ahead of the series opener against Bangladesh.
“The first three or four days were hampered by rain, but we’ve since had a couple of good sessions here in Antigua, and everyone is in good spirits, fit, and available.”
“It’s crucial for us to get a winning result on home soil before we head off to Pakistan.
These are the final four Test matches in this edition of the World Test Championship, and it’s very important to do well here, win the series, and build momentum heading into Pakistan,” he added.
West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who was rested during the South Africa series to manage his workload, returns for the two-Test series against Bangladesh.
However, the hosts will miss the services of all-rounder Jason Holder, who is still recovering from a shoulder injury.
“Each player has an opportunity.
We have players who have been successful against Bangladesh, both at home and away.
We also have new players who haven’t played in those series.
It’s an opportunity for both senior and emerging players to show what we’re capable of as a team,” said Coley.
“We continue to build on the progress from the past year and a half and look to close the year in great form.”
The second Test is scheduled to be held in Jamaica on November 30.
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