MYSORE, India, CMC- Captain Kirk Edwards says a new venue and format would not pose any threat to a momentum already established by the West Indies A team on their current tour of India.
The visitors are preparing to take on the India A in a four-day first class match at Mysore after coming from behind to beat them in a three-game 50 overs series and losing a one-off T20 match.
Edwards, who has taken over the captaincy for the four-day matches, says his team will bring their confidence into the longer format.
“We played well in the limited-overs matches and we have good momentum. We have changed locations and the conditions here look very good for first-class cricket,” Edwards said today.
“We are confident and we will bring that confidence into the longer format. Powell did a good job as captain the first half so I will just look to continue the good work”.
Edwards has advised his players to be “patient and watchful” as they face the more experienced opposition.
First ball at the Gangothri Glades Cricket Ground is 12 midnight tomorrow Eastern Caribbean Time/11pm tonight Jamaica Time.
“We have some new players coming into the team and everyone has fitted in very well. The mood in the camp is very good,” he said.
“We have excellent support staff, who help to keep us relaxed. We had a productive training session today and we are looking forward to the start of the match.”
The 28-year-old Edwards is familiar with conditions in the sub-continent, having played three Tests against the Indians two years ago.
He made 60 in the second innings at Eden Gardens, Kolkata and followed up with 86 in the first innings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
“I have played here before and we have a few other members of team who have played Test cricket here as well,” said Edwards .
“I have spoken to the team and stressed the importance of being patient when we bat as well as when we bowl. You have to be prepared work hard, but you will always get your rewards.”
FULL SQUAD Kirk Edwards (captain), Kieran Powell (vice-captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cotterell, Miguel Cummins
Narsingh Deonarine, Assad Fudadin, Jahmar Hamilton, Delorn Johnson, Leon Johnson, Nikita Miller, Ashley Nurse, Veerasammy Permaul Chadwick Walton.
