‘One swallow does not make a summer’ – Richard Pybus dealt in phrases to make his point on Sunday, January 27, but the essence of his message, that the West Indies should settle down and focus on the second Test, wasn’t lost.
Pybus saw his team seal a comprehensive 381-run win against England in Barbados, something not many expected. England were bundled out for 77, Jason Holder scored a double-century at his home ground, and Roston Chase took a career-best 8-60.
England, unsurprisingly, are hurting. Joe Root said the team were “desperate to put it right” in the second Test in Antigua, even as Trevor Bayliss, the coach, demanded his side be “mentally tougher”.
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Richard Pybus is aware of the potential for an England backlash[/caption]
Pybus is aware of the dangers of a fightback. “Is it my job to keep their feet on the floor? Absolutely. We have our goals for the series, and we have ticked off the first Test.
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“But England will be hurting. They are a quality side and I have huge respect for them. They will come back at us in Antigua. Our game has to be at the highest level for them.”
That said, he did have reasons to be confident looking ahead to Antigua, especially in the manner Holder, the captain, has led from the front. Holder may be the No.1 all-rounder in the ICC rankings, but Pybus is most thrilled with his ability to keep the team composed.
“That’s my biggest ambition. To become the No.1 all-rounder in the world.”@Jaseholder98 to @Phil_Wisden before the start of the series. One Test in, he’s already achieved his goal.
A fascinating extended interview with West Indies’ man of the moment.https://t.co/SdwSgFldN3
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) January 27, 2019
“We delivered on a gameplan with precision,” he said. “The team kept their cool and did what we have looked to do strategically. That is all credit to Jason. He is a calm and composed guy.
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“It is one thing to lead strategically, it is another to lead with performance. There were many special performances, but his was exceptional. It was just an incredible performance.”
He also had praise for Chase, saying the all-rounder “was wonderful” when he ran through England in the second innings. He said that was down to the team as a whole building pressure.
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Pybus credited Jason Holder for keeping the team calm and composed[/caption]
“Chase was wonderful,” he said. “Roston bowled exceptionally well. His control was good, he set good fields and exerted a huge amount of pressure throughout the game with his consistency.
“But I think the pressure created by the bowing unit was great, which is what happens when you have four good quick bowlers. As a unit they complemented each other. Roston bowled well but when you have pressure at both ends it is pretty tough for the batters.”
The second Test begins on January 31.
