MYSORE, India – West Indies A Team captain Kirk Edwards showered his team with praise following their huge victory over India A in the first unofficial ‘Test’ at Gangothri Glades Cricket Grounds on Saturday.
The skipper and his team-mates celebrated "a magnificently planned" win by 162 runs against their more experienced opponents to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
"We prepared well and we planned well. This was a magnificent win…a magnificently planned win. We were clinical. We created chances and we took our chances," Edwards told WICB Media after Saturday’s result.
"We batted well throughout and we bowled well throughout. The fielding was also good so overall I have to say ‘full respect’ to everyone."
Set a target of 315 after Windies A declared at their overnight 130-3, the hosts were bundled out for 152, with left-arm spinner Nikita Miller grabbing superb figures of 5-41. He used the new ball on the final day to wreck the India A innings and end with 9-101 off 71.4 overs in the match.
He has now taken 285 wickets in 57 first-class matches at the phenomenal average of just 15.50 runs per wicket. In the West Indies first innings, he proved his worth with a resolute 49. Fellow left-arm spinner Permaul was equally effective with the ball and took 3-56 – including his 200th first-class wicket – to end with match figures of 8-141.
Edwards made a major contribution to the victory. In the first innings he scored 91, adding 172 for the second wicket with Kraigg Brathwaite, who made 92 – the game’s top score.
Edwards was full of adoration for match-winners Miller and Permaul.
"Miller was top-class. Every time I called on him he responded in a positive way. He delivered in the first innings and when I asked him to use the new ball in the second innings he responded as well. He’s one of the most experienced members of the team and he stepped up with the bat in the first innings and with the ball both times when we bowled," said Edwards.
"Permaul is a very confident player and is always relaxed. He helps to take the pressure off his team-mates and keep the pressure on the opposition – as we saw on both occasions when we bowled. He has played at the highest level before and is showing the benefits."
The West Indies will travel to Shimoga on Sunday where the two teams will meet in the second ‘Test’ match starting on Wednesday.