JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, CMC – West Indies captain Floyd Reifer has promised his side will not be overawed when they face the might of defending champions Australia in their second match of the ICC Champions Trophy today.
The depleted Caribbean side lost their opening match to Pakistan on Wednesday and now clash a buoyant Australian side in the 9:30 am (3:30 am Eastern Caribbean time) Group A encounter at The Wanderers.
Reifer said despite the inexperience of his side, they were anxiously looking forward to the contest.
“We feel good going into this game. There are no small games in this tournament. Every game has an impact on what happens in the group … every game is vitally important and this is a very big game for us,” Reifer said after a three-hour training session at the University of Witswaterand.
“This is probably the biggest game in the career for some of our players so we are relishing the opportunity to play against one of the best teams in the world on one of the biggest stages in international cricket.”
West Indies were given little chance prior to the start of their campaign, and their loss to Pakistan increased the odds against them progressing in the tournament.
Reifer said while they were still looking to win, the young team was also looking to make personal strides.
“As a team we have been be planning well and we will be looking to put those plans into action. We want to win games but also to improve as players and as a team,” the veteran first class batsman pointed out.
“We need to keep striving to improve our all-round game. Everyday there is a chance to get better and we will be looking to go out on the field and play with confidence.”
Weakened by the loss of their elite players because of the ongoing contracts impasse, West Indies crashed to a five wicket loss in their opener.
They could only muster 133 batting first on a lively Wanderers pitch but gave Pakistan a scare before finally succumbing.
Coach David Williams said despite this performance, his side would not be deterred against the Aussies.
“On Wednesday night we did not play well in the first half of the game but we got our thoughts together at the break and we decided we had to hit back at the Pakistanis,” Williams said.
“We bowled really well and fielded brilliantly to make a game of it in the end. What that performance demonstrated, was, that we have the ability to deliver at this level and we will be going into the game against with Australia with confidence.”
He added: “It was encouraging performance in the end. There is some momentum in the team and the players are up for the Australia match. This is a young team and they are all very excited to have the opportunity to perform at the international level.
“It’s all about believing in themselves and having the application and determination to combat what is thrown at them.”
West Indies have been boosted by the return of fast bowler Kemar Roach who missed the first match because of ankle injury.
TEAMS:WEST INDIES – Floyd Reifer (captain), Darren Sammy, David Bernard, Tino Best, Royston Crandon, Travis Dowlin, Andre Fletcher, Kevin McClean, Nikita Miller, Kieran Powell, Dale Richards, Kemar Roach, Devon Smith, Gavin Tonge, Chadwick Walton.
AUSTRALIA – Rickey Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Callam Ferguson, Nathan Nauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Tim Paine, Peter Siddle, Adam Voges, Shane Watson, Cameron White.
Umpires: Tony Hill (New Zealand), Asad Rauf (Pakistan); TV – Billy Bowden.
