ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – West Indies cricket chief Julian Hunte has joined in applauding the regional side’s surprise 40-run win over Pakistan in the first Test which ended Sunday in Guyana. In a letter of team manager Richie Richardson, Hunte said the victory was particularly pleasing as it had been the first in over two years for the embattled regional side. “You have filled the people of the Caribbean with pride and on behalf of the Board of Directors and the cricketing family I extend heartiest congratulations to the entire team for the outstanding performance,” Hunte said.
“We have had many challenges in Test cricket and we have all been longing for a Test win for two years so it is especially pleasing to see the team making progress from drawing matches to winning and it is now for the team to make winning a habit.”
West Indies bowlers produced a clinical performance on Sunday to dismiss Pakistan for 178, as they chased a target of 219.
They were led by captain Darren Sammy who claimed five for 29 with his medium pace while pacer
Ravi Rampaul supported with four for 48. Hunte said while he was thrilled with the individual performances, he was happy to see the team effort involved. “It was however heartening that more than the individual performances, the victory has been heralded by all as a complete team effort and that is what most pleases the people of the Caribbean,” he pointed out. “We re-commit ourselves to continue offering the support of the Board and like the team keep improving as we all work together for the benefit and advancement of West Indies cricket as we look forward to continued successes.”
