“Sky Is The Limit” Says Positive West Indies Coach Gibson

The West Indies are on a tour that will see them take on the Bangladesh Tigers in two Tests, three one-day internationals and a one-off Twenty20 match. While Tuesday’s T20 booked a loss for the Windies, yesterday’s opening ODI win has levelled the playing field.  West Indies Coach, Otis Gibson, spoke exclusively to www.digicelcricket.com on his thoughts for the remaining games and the importance of confidence among the team.
 
“In terms of preparation, it was very hot here yesterday and today so we are not getting in as much practice as we would like. We have the medical team on standby to make sure the players are fit and ready for tomorrow’s second ODI. It is much more humid than what we are accustomed to so managing the heat and the players’ fitness is the focus.
 
“Tomorrow I don’t necessarily think we’ll be doing anything differently. We’ll look at the pitch and the players’ fitness in the morning but we have our game plan and we are sticking to it. A few players are undergoing some physiotherapy so we’re hoping they’ll be fit for tomorrow also.”
 
Talking about the Tiger’s tradition as a strong test match team, Coach Gibson says he’s not focusing on the tests just yet.
 
“This tour of Bangladesh is a tough series and we are gearing ourselves up for it, strengthening our team and making sure everyone is in top form.
 
“The mood in the camp is very good at the moment. Obviously we are a bit disappointed at losing the T20 but yesterday we came out and played and our focus came through – and it has given us a lot of confidence. Marlon Samuels was in great form and Lendl Simmons hit his first century. Overall the guys stuck with the plan they had – and the results speak for themselves.”
 
With two tough series’ behind them earlier this year against cricketing giants, Pakistan and India, has the team gained confidence from their efforts against them?
 
“Yes absolutely. Things are going well so far – we’ve started this series positively and the boys are even talking more about believing they can win – about what they need to do to win this series. Yesterday’s win has put the opposition under pressure and a couple of more wins will see us win this series – something we haven’t done in a while – so we’re looking forward to it.

“Morale is very high and now going forward our consistency is a big focus. We have the confidence so now we need to maintain momentum and deliver consistently,” continued Gibson.
 
Gibson was happy and optimistic when discussing the future of the young team – and who he thinks might go on to be a star…
 
“There are many future stars on the team. Young Bishoo has shown his capabilities on the international stage and Bravo continues to improve. Kirk Edwards and Simmons are also proving their worth so if they continue to put in the hard work and continue to improve; the sky is the limit for these guys.”
 
Digicel, proud sponsor of West Indies Cricket, is also sponsoring the live radio coverage for all games in the West Indies away series against Bangladesh and India through its partnership with regional network broadcaster, Line & Length.
 
Thanks to Digicel’s sponsorship, Line & Length Network will provide regional supporters with live ball-by-ball radio broadcasts of the away series. In addition, the Regional Super50 tournament in Guyana will also be aired on radio stations in the Caribbean.
 
The West Indies’ tour of Bangladesh, which includes two Tests, three One-Day Internationals and one Twenty20, runs from Tuesday 11th October to Thursday 3rd November 2011, while the India series that follows immediately after will have three Tests and five One-Day Internationals and is expected to finish on Monday 12th December 2011.