Pollard: Windies must build on Sri Lanka ODI whitewash

WEST Indies One Day International (ODI) captain Kieron Pollard said the West Indies must build on the 3-0 series win over Sri Lanka, which concluded on Sunday.

West Indies completed the 3-0 whitewash with a five-wicket win at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

The West Indies batting was impressive during the series with Shai Hope (110), Evin Lewis (103) and Darren Bravo (102) all cracking centuries.

Following the series, Pollard said, “These guys have been working really, really hard. Competition for places as well (is a factor) and guys want to stick their necks up. We spoke about one guy batting through the order, batting deep as possible and (it is) very nice to see each and every game we got a hundred…again, it is just total team effort from us.”

West Indies have a packed home schedule as Australia, South Africa and Pakistan are all expected to tour the Caribbean in the coming months.

Pollard said winning the Sri Lanka series will motivate the team moving forward.

“That gives us the confidence to do certain things. We have to use our home advantage, we are accustommed playing in the Caribbean and once we come and prepare as a team and do what is necessary the sky is the limit for us. We’ve got to build on this.”

Pollard is hoping that the T20 and 50-Over series victories will give the West Indies Test team, under new captain Kraigg Brathwaite, a boost heading into the two-match series against Sri Lanka starting on March 21.

“I want to wish him (Brathwaite) all the best. At the end of the day you need the team and the management staff to rally behind him and give him all that backing.”

Pollard said experienced players like former Test captain Jason Holder and coach Phil Simmons are available to guide Brathwaite.