ZCZC
BSP-20
CRICKET-JOSEPH-PACE
Joseph relishes the challenge of leading bowling attack against Bangladesh
DHAKA, Jan 21, 2021 (BSS) – West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph insisted that he enjoyed the challenge of leading the bowling attack against a top opponent like Bangladesh.
Joseph, at the age of just 24, became the leader of the attack after so many first choice players skipper to attend the Bangladesh tour due to fear of Covid-19 or personal reasons.
“Difference in terms of leading the attack as to be just another member of the bowling attack – it is a challenge,” Joesph said, adding that he is looking to set the tone up front.
“More often than not, everyone is looking at me to set the tone, and be the aggressor. Lead the attack. It is basically a challenge that I am willfully accepting. It is just for me to do the work. Lead by example, as we’d say in the Caribbean,” he added.
“It is something I look forward to. It is a new challenge with all the pullouts. But it is something I accept with open arms. Something I expect to, lead from the front,” he remarked.
West Indies lost the first game to Bangladesh by six wickets and so the second game is important for them to keep the series alive.
Joseph, who was the member of Under-19 squad that won the 2016 Under-19 World Cup hosted by Bangladesh, beating India, said they are expecting to make a turnaround.
“It wasn’t the best of meetings. We didn’t perform the way we wanted to perform. Everyone knows their roles. We have to come back in the second ODI,” he said.
“It was more words of encouragement yesterday evening, after the game, to give the guys the confidence to come back, and do better in the second ODI. Obviously we all saw that we didn’t do our best in terms of putting up a challenging total,” he said.
He rued for some more runs, which could make a difference in the first ODI.
“Maybe 220 would have been a more challenging total based on what the bowlers put up yesterday. A few more early wickets, and you don’t know what could have happened,” he pointed out.
“Everyone is aware of what’s at stake. Everyone is pumped up to give a better showing in the second ODI. It is really important for us to come in. This game is even more important than the last one. If we lose this game, it’s the series. Everyone knows exactly what they need to do.”
BSS/SMP/ARS/2030 hrs