Chase eyes history as WI hunt home Test series win

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

West Indies captain Roston Chase has declared his side is driven by a singular focus heading into today’s second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

That focus is on securing a series-clinching victory and ending a drought that has stretched back more than two decades.

Speaking to CWI Media on the eve of the contest, with the hosts holding a 1-0 lead, Chase made it clear that complacency is not an option.

The Windies are hunting a first Test series win in the ICC World Test Championship, and the captain believes that hunger is fuelling the squad.

“Going into the second Test, 1-0 up, the only thing we’re looking for here is another win to seal the deal and get our first Test series win in the championship,” Chase stated. “That’s what’s driving the guys right now. Everyone’s looking forward to that first win.”

The historical weight of the occasion is not lost on the Barbadian, who has the chance to achieve what no West Indian skipper has managed since Brian Lara’s side triumphed over Sri Lanka in 2003.

Despite an unbeaten home record against the visitors, the Caribbean side has not conquered them in a bilateral series for 23 years.

“It would mean a lot,” Chase admitted when asked about the prospect of ending that run. “As I said before, it’s going to be the first Test series win. Last year, we didn’t win any series, and we didn’t win any games. I think last year was a year that we want to put behind us. To come and start this year in the first series that we have, to get the win, I think that would be fantastic.”

Chase remained unperturbed by potential tactical adjustments from the Sri Lankan camp, insisting that the focus remains internal.

“I’m not really worried about them. We’re going to focus on our strengths and what we did well in the game, and what we didn’t do so well that we can improve on,” he said.

The West Indies have been bolstered by the return of batter Shai Hope, who has recovered from the left shoulder strain that ruled him out of the first Test.

Hope is expected to slot straight back into the line-up, likely at the expense of Kavem Hodge, after Amir Jangoo’s impressive performance staked a firm claim for retention.

The pace attack sees the addition of fast-bowling all-rounder Keemo Paul to the squad. Paul, who has impressed during the recent four-day championship with his ability to bowl long spells and extract pace and movement, joins as cover for the experienced Kemar Roach. Roach is nursing a niggle, and his fitness will be assessed ahead of the toss.

Chase spoke warmly of Paul’s potential impact. “He’s a guy who had a good four-day championship this year, bowled some long marathon spells, moved the ball at pace. If he gets a chance, I’ll be excited to see him go because he is a strong soldier and a fighter.”

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are forced into at least one change after Lahiru Kumara suffered an injury in the first Test, with left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando the likely replacement.