West Indies were bowled for an unimpressive 222 in the first innings of the first Test match against India and skipper Jason Holder said he was ‘extremely disappointed’ with his batsmen.
Holder’s remarks came after stumps on day three by when India had piled on the runs with Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane scoring half centuries and the stretching the lead 260.
“Extremely disappointed. It’s been a common thing for our batsmen now. We have not been able to step up as a top-order, the middle and lower order have done an exceptional job. We are behind the eight ball because we did not bat well in the first innings,” Holder said.
“The boys are fighting, the effort was exceptional, we have been in the match with the bowling effort. We kept toiling away, it is not a surface on which you can bowl out a side cheaply. We hope to restrict India and then chase down the total,” he added.
The West Indies captain however had praise for his bowlers and especially Kemar Roach for his consistency, saying the bowler has been the standout pacer in the match.
“Bowlers are doing an exceptional job. India is scoring at two and a half runs per over, we are fighting very hard. The body language has been right up there. We got early wickets and they built a partnership in the first innings. We just need to play smart cricket in the remaining match,” Holder said.
“Kemar has been brilliant. We as a fast-bowling group, have done a good job. Kemar keeps you guessing, there is never a situation in which he gets predictable. It is a plus having Kemar in this side. He makes something happen with the ball. Yes, Ishant got five wickets in the first innings, but in my opinion, Kemar has been the standout bowler in this match,” he added.
