Hunte 'heartened' by WI advance

St John's, Antigua:

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has hailed the West Indies team following their victory over the visiting New Zealand team in the Digicel Test Series.

The Windies swept the two-match series following a nine-wicket win in the first Digicel Test in Antigua and a five-wicket victory in the second Test, which ended on Sunday at Sabina Park in Jamaica.

West Indies were equally dominant in the preceding Twenty20 series, winning both matches and followed up a 4-1 triumph in the one-day international series.

President's congratulatory message

Dr Julian Hunte, president of the WICB, issued a congratulatory message to the team, praising them for their commitment throughout the series.

"On behalf of the WICB and the people of the West Indies, I want to congratulate the West Indies team after their impressive performances against New Zealand in the recent Digicel Series," he said.

"This was a wonderful way to bring the season of international matches in the Caribbean to a climax. The team outplayed the New Zealanders and gave cogent evidence about what is possible when they work hard, remain committed and stay focused."

Hunte said: "We are also heartened by the team's advance in the ICC Test World Rankings, albeit a minor leap ahead of the Black Caps to No.7 in the world.

"If the team continues on the trajectory that it has shown in this series and in previous matches, particularly over the last 18 months, we believe that sooner rather than later that West Indies cricket will be restored to a place among the top echelons of the game."

Hunte said the WICB acknowledged that several players made advances in the player rankings during the series.

He noted that fast bowler Kemar Roach grabbed 12 wickets in the series and is now tied for the most wickets in Tests this calendar year with Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal.

"Special congratulations to Kemar for winning the Digicel Man of the Series award," said Hunte.

"Kemar has been an outstanding performer for West Indies this year, having put the disappointment of last year behind him. He has become the undisputed leader of the bowling attack and we look forward to him making more major contributions in the future."

Hunte said: "We must, however, recognise that several other players made pivotal contributions to the series victory and it was a total team effort.

"Whenever the occasion required someone to step up, someone did and this augurs well for our future, as it suggests that we are building the kind of depth in the team to make it competitive over the next few years."