PERTH, Australia, CMC – Marquee middle order batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan is confident West Indies can level the series by beating Australia in the third and final Test starting next Wednesday (10.30pm Tuesday Eastern Caribbean Time).
West Indies head into the final game of the series 1-0 down after losing the first Test in Brisbane by an innings and 65 runs. They drew the second Test in Adelaide last week.
“Over the years matches here (at the WACA) have produced results so it’s important that we continue to play good cricket and stick to our disciplines and the plans we put in place,” Sarwan said following a three-hour team training session yesterday. “We just have to concentrate on our job and do what is required. There is a good feeling in the camp and we believe we can get the job done here at the WACA.”
West Indies had a nightmare start to the tour at the Gabba in Brisbane when they were beaten inside three days, after their batting collapsed spectacularly.
They rebounded in Adelaide, producing a strong batting display to put the Aussies on the ropes on the final day before the hosts escaped. Sarwan, who missed the opening Test with injury and then struggled with scores of 28 and seven in the second, said it was important the Windies sustained the momentum from Adelaide. “There will be pressure on both teams, both sides will want to win. We will be looking to level the series and the Aussies will be looking for a 2-0 result, so there is a lot to play for,” Sarwan pointed out.
“It is very important that we continue to play the way we did in Adelaide. We don’t want to do so well there and then come here and let it go.”
Having won five of their last six encounters at the venue, West Indies boast a proud record at the WACA and are hoping they can continue their rich tradition of winning at the ground.
And following on from Adelaide, Sarwan said the team was upbeat and chomping at the bit for the final match of the series.
“Our bowlers did very well in both Tests and we are confident of doing well in the upcoming match,” said the 29-year-old right-hander, a veteran of 82 Tests. “The batting was good as well so we go into the second Test match. Everyone is fit and everyone is confident heading into the final match. We played really well in the second Test match after they outplayed us in the first Test.”
