Our players are up for Australia - Williams
West Indies' match against an in-form Australia is widely predicted to be a mismatch but their coach David Williams has said his team will put up a strong performance
Cricinfo staff
25-Sep-2009
Nikita Miller made a half-century after coming in at No. 9 • Getty Images
The inexperienced West Indies' match against an in-form Australia is widely predicted to be a mismatch but their coach David Williams has said his team will put up a strong performance on Saturday.
After sinking to a five-wicket defeat to Pakistan in their opening game, another loss to Australia will leave them on the brink of elimination from the ICC Champions Trophy. West Indies' batting had folded for 133 on Wednesday but their bowlers scythed through the Pakistan top order to ensure it wasn't a completely one-sided affair.
"We bowled really well and fielded brilliantly to make a game of it in the end," Williams said. "What that performance demonstrated was that we have the ability to deliver at this level and we will be going into the game against with Australia with confidence.
"It was an encouraging performance in the end. There is some momentum in the team and the players are up for the Australia match. It's all about believing in themselves and having the application and determination to combat what is thrown at them."
Two players who stood out during West Indies' defeat were Nikita Miller, who made a battling half-century to make sure the total reached triple digits, and quick bowler Gavin Tonge, whose probing spell was rewarded with four wickets.
"I thought Tonge assessed the pitch very well and bowled exactly what was required. He demonstrated what is possible if you have the self-belief to perform at this level. He did what was asked of him and kept us in the game," Williams said. "Miller was also very good at the bottom of our innings. He played within his limitations and picked the right balls to hit."