(CMC) KINGSTOWN, St Vincent – West Indies head coach Ottis Gibson has labeled yesterday’s dramatic tie with Australia in the third One-Day International as “a sickening blow” but says the team’s valiant fightback from a near hopeless position was testimony to their growing character.
Chasing 221 for victory, West Indies rebounded from 78 for five in the 21st over and then 117 for six in the 29th, to miraculously level the scores with three balls left in the game at Arnos Vale.
However, the last-wicket pair of captain Darren Sammy and Kemar Roach were then involved in a horrible mix-up over a quick single off the next ball, with Sammy eventually run out.
“Sometimes they’re no words. Having said that, we’re very disappointed not to have won but at the same time we didn’t lose so the series is still very much still alive going into St Lucia with two games to play but everyone in the dressing room I can tell you are hurting quite badly,” Gibson told reporters.
“From 78 for five – I think we were – to get it down to the last over and for the captain to play so well in that last over and then for that run out to happen at that time, is a sickening blow for us but we’ll pick ourselves up knowing that we didn’t lose the game.
“We know we’ve given the Aussies a good fight over the last three games and I’m sure they will have a little bit of respect for what they’ve seen on the field as well.”
Gibson said the team’s self belief was continuing to grow and he was seeing several players beginning to take responsibility for their performances.
