West Indies vs Australia, 38th Match, Group 1, Abu Dhabi, Nov 6 2021, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Zampa: “I think we have been lucky to play here in the last one year including the IPL. We know what we are up against in terms of the wicket. I just try and use the wicket to the best of my ability, if it is spinning try and spin, if it is staying low then try and use that too to my advantage.
“The wicket was behaving really well in the last 3-4 overs, so we knew it’d be much better in the second innings. We just wanted to back ourselves. I am happy I guessed it (pitch getting better in the second innings) right. They (openers) have been giving good starts, they almost finished off the game in the powerplay. They were going for the kill. Often when you lose the game it can get brushed under the carpet but it was a brilliant innings.
I think the batsmen must assess quickly what is a good score, and you tend to go hard in the T20 format and then realise that it’s not a 160-180 wicket. They assessed the conditions quickly, and they didn’t let pressure get to the middle order. Very happy for young Jaiswal, he’s played really well throughout the tournament, we are very sure he’ll make it big. He keeps on eating (laughs).
We have been discussing about Dube from the last 2-3 games. We thought today might be his day. He has been working hard in the nets, very happy for him. Unbelievable batting by Gaikwad. We are really afraid of a batsman like him. Plays a lot of cricketing shots, there’s no risk the way he plays. We need to respect those type of batsmen.”
I have been pretty lucky to be playing a lot of cricket in these times, I know my role in this team and it is to get wickets in the middle. I guess pretty with this (total). It is hard to gauge as the new ball came on nicely but then it started to spin and stay low, in general it is a good batting wicket.”
“I think the time has come,” Bravo said. “I’ve had a very good career. To represent the West Indies for 18 years, had some ups and downs, but as I look back at it I’m very grateful to represent the region and the Caribbean people for so long.
“To win three ICC trophies, two with my captain [Daren Sammy] on the left here. One thing I am proud about is that the era of cricketers we had we were able to make a name for ourselves on the global stage and not only do that but have silverware to show for it.”
“For me now I want to try and pass on whatever experience and information I have with the younger players,” he said. “I think in the white-ball formats West Indies cricket have a bright future and it’s important for us to keep supporting the guys and keep encouraging them.
“It wasn’t the World Cup we expected, it wasn’t the World Cup we wanted as players. We shouldn’t feel sorry for ourselves, it was a tough competition, we should keep our heads high.”