Monday 05, April-2004

by PHILIP SPOONER

I ... I ...I JUST DON’T KNOW:

West Indies captain Brian Lara apparently trying to explain Saturday’s defeat to a fan at Accra Hotel.

Captain Brian Lara and other members of his side wept on Saturday night as they felt the hurt of another spineless display.

The West Indies team spent much of the night at Kensington Oval pondering on what went wrong. Players vented their feelings and the post mortem went on until after 10 p.m.

They were trying to have personal introspection to see what went wrong on Saturday evening when they were bowled out for a gutless 94 to lose the third Test and with it the series, sources said.

Lara struggled through a media conference, saying he was “devastated” and his hurt was felt throughout the team. Yesterday, coach Gus Logie assembled his batsmen for a special session in the nets.

Some faces still looked gloomy even though others tried to force through smiles at a practice session at Kensington. They were met by some English fans seeking autographs, while others came by to have a feel of the Oval grass.

There was still some Sunday afternoon relaxation for members of the West Indies team as fast bowlers Fidel Edwards, Tino Best, Pedro Collins and Corey Collymore were given a rest after pool work in the morning.

Lara was not there, having to attend a selection meeting to decide the side for the next Test in Antigua on Saturday. Up to press time the team was not available.

The session was mainly for the batsmen but little could have been gained from it as players sauntered around and there was a general lack of intensity.

Added to that the quality of the local club bowlers assembled to trundle at the batsmen was low enough to make the exercise meaningless. The West Indies players are expected to have more net sessions today and tomorrow before heading to Antigua.

Yesterday was slated to be Day 4 of the Test match, but England took care of business in three days, and with it won their first Test series in the Caribbean since 1968.

The visitors spent the day toasting their triumph. In the morning they played beach cricket with some fans and in the mid-afternoon with family on a huge yacht with family members.

The merriment started on Saturday night when they staged a small impromptu party in the dressing room, chanting tributes to each other before leaving at 8 p.m.

Compliments of the Nation News

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