Hope expects another spin trial
BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, (CMC) IN-FORM batsman Shai Hope is expecting little difference from the spin-friendly Queens Sports Club track, when the second Test bowls off tomorrow.
The wicket proved a challenge from the opening day, providing generous turn from the opening session, and Hope said he was already bracing for similar conditions, as West Indies went in search of a series sweep.
“I do think it’s going to respond the same way as the first game. The pitch is even drier than the first game but it’s about trusting your process again,” the elegant right-hander said.
“You have your individual game plans and as a team we have to make sure we are precise with those game plans and make sure we can combat anything they bring to us.”
West Indies buckled cheaply for 219 in their first innings as leg-spinner Graeme Cremer and left-arm spinner Sean Williams accounted for the majority of wickets.
But after securing a 60-run lead, West Indies compiled 373 in their second innings to take command of the game and force a 117-run victory late on the fourth day last Tuesday.
“I must commend our guys for the display of batting we showed, especially Roston (Chase),” Hope said of his counterpart who scored 95 in the second innings.
FREE SCORING
“He came out and scored freely as if it wasn’t turning so credit must go to him and the batting team in general. We played well, we responded to their spin attack and we just need to do the same in the second Test.”
Hope was also among the runs, stroking a superb unbeaten 90 in the first innings and following up with 44 in the second.
His performances saw him make yet another leap in the ICC batting rankings where he now lies 24th, as the second highest-ranked Windies player behind opener Kraigg Brathwaite at 18th.
I do think it’s going to respond the same way as the first game. The pitch is even drier than the first game but it’s about trusting your process again