Windies success has series on knife edge

It’s been a truly memorable start to 2008 for West Indian fans all across the world.

Just days ago, the majority of the cricketing world was writing us off against South Africa even before a ball was bowled in the first Test. Now, we’ve done the unthinkable and gone 1-0 ahead in the three-match rubber. It’s confounded the critics and given Windies supporters just the lift they needed to go into the New Year. In addition, we’re competing keenly in the ongoing second Test, though we’ve got some work to do in our second innings, having been led by 78 runs in the first innings.

I was ecstatic with the performance which the guys put in last Saturday in a historic maiden Test triumph on South African soil. It was an unforgettable occasion and I extend my congratulations to Chris [Gayle] and all my team-mates who made us extremely proud.

The most pleasing aspect of the team’s success was the fact that though they faltered in batting on the third afternoon – losing six wickets for 22 runs – they held their composure and completed the job. In the past, we’ve been guilty of grabbing defeat from the jaws of victory and I hope what we achieved in Port Elizabeth means that we are maturing and learning how to overcome setbacks in matches and not let them derail our overall game plans. It was a huge step for us.

I was confident that a target of 389 was enough to beat even the best that South Africa could produce against West Indies. We just had to keep our heads and not be ruffled even when Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers posted 112 for the fifth wicket in their chase. Once we broke that partnership, I was sure it was all but over for the hosts.

As Chris said in his most recent diary, it was a massive team effort, with all our boys pitching in and playing a part at some stage. Once again, Marlon Samuels stood out with the bat, scoring 40 in the second innings to complement his polished 94 in our first innings. He was a worthy Man-of-the-Match recipient. Our bowlers came to the party in the hunt for victory and life was never easy for South Africa’s batsmen. The Windies’ catching was pretty good also and we held vital chances.

Having the underdogs leading the series now gives it a greater level of interest that will ensure fans stay tuned. What they [the fans] want to see is a real tussle and so far we have been up to the task. In the second Test, we need to dig in and get a strong second-innings score. Our first priority must be to ensure we don’t lose the match and then take it from there. Remember we are 1-0 up and it’s Graeme Smith and Co who need to make the running at Newlands in Cape Town. It would be fantastic if we can head to Durban for the final Test still having the lead and therefore put even more pressure on the home side.

Meanwhile, I will be leading the Guyana national team in the regional Carib Beer Cricket Series which begins today across the Caribbean. We’re opposing Trinidad & Tobago in the first round at Queen’s Park Oval. I’m eager to get back in the middle and score some runs after my recent ankle injury. This will be a big test for me.

Though our preparations were hampered by constant rain in Guyana, I’m confident that we will give a good account of ourselves. We’re determined to get off to a strong start in the tournament so that we can challenge for the title. I expect keen competition from all our opponents who will have similar ambitions.

Let the games begin!