Let’s not lose the series,says Sir Viv

July 24, 2020
West Indies captain Jason Holder bats during the last day of the second Test match against England at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, on Monday, July 20.
West Indies captain Jason Holder bats during the last day of the second Test match against England at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, on Monday, July 20.

Legendary West Indies batsman Sir Vivian Richards is urging the West Indies to play the final Test against England with all their hearts, as both sides wrap up the three-match series in Old Trafford today.

The winner of the third Test will walk away with the Wisden Trophy as both sides share a win apiece, with the West Indies winning the first Test and England squaring the series.

Sir Viv, in a Facebook message to the players, says the West Indies should at least not relinquish the Wisden trophy to England, as they should remind themselves that they are the champions.

"Let me take this opportunity to wish the guys the very best. I know you are pretty much disappointed with the way things went in the second Test match, but you are good enough to win the third Test match. You go out with a positive attitude, and that's the most important thing, and believe in what you are doing," urged Richards.

The West Indies have a glorious opportunity to claim a rare series win away to England in over 30 years; however, Richards believes if the regional boys can't win the series, they should at least bring back the Wisden trophy to the Caribbean.

"I believe we have an opportunity to motivate ourselves for one more reason, you may not be able to win the Test match in itself or the series, but let us not lose the series. We are champs, let's not forget that,"added Richards.

Huge Achievement

A rare series win in England would be a tremendous achievement for Jason Holder and his men, as, within the last 10 years, they have won only four series away, two against Bangladesh, one against Zimbabwe, and one last year against Afghanistan.

Captain Jason Holder will be eyeing a personal milestone in this Test, as he needs 46 runs to reach 2,000. He would become the third West Indian behind Sir Garfield Sobers and Carl Hooper to get to 2,000 Test runs and 100 wickets.

Fast bowler Kemar Roach also needs three more wickets to reach 200 in Test.