SYDNEY, Australia, CMC- Former West Indies captain Sir Viv Richards says Chris Gayle’s double century against Zimbabwe has “lifted the spirits” of the team and relieved pressure on young captain Jason Holder.
The Jamaican opener scored 215 against Zimbabwe on Tuesday – the first double-ton in World Cup history and only the fourth in one-day internationals.
West Indies have won convincingly against Pakistan and Zimbabwe after succumbing to a shocking defeat against Ireland in their opening match.
“It was a phenomenal innings. Especially the way West Indies batted against the so-called minnows [Ireland],” said Richards.
“It’s the stuff champions are made of”.
Richards himself has compiled two of the most-highly regarded ODI innings, both against England- a match-winning 138 not out in the 1979 World Cup final; and a brutal then-world-record 189 not out at Old Trafford in 1984.
Richards admits that more consistency was needed for the team to progress to the final stages of the tournament.
“Their response and the talent in the team, it’s potent,” Richards added.
“But what the fans demand is to see this on a more consistent basis. You need that leadership where the batsmen are concerned.”
