Chairman Butts pleased with Windies showing

Apr 07, 2009 Sports

Clyde Butts

Chairman of West Indies selectors Clyde Butts says he is happy with the team’s display in the recent Digicel Series 2009 against England in the Caribbean.
Speaking at the conclusion of the series, Butts noted that the players showed improvement and commitment throughout what was a tough tour.
“I think the West Indies played very well in the Test series and deserved their success. The performance in the first Test was magnificent and set the tone for the series. You could see the players had self-belief and confidence,” Butts said.

“In some of the other matches the players found themselves in some tough situations but were about to work out of them. A year ago we probably would have lost a few of those Test matches, but this time around we saw the fight and determination coming out.

“One of the most pleasing things was the maturity we saw. The team looked better and better and more aware of the situations. The captain led by example and the experienced players were also brilliant. The newer players also played key roles and we also saw the bowlers coming on.”
The West Indies won the Test series 1-0 to take the Wisden Trophy, won the T20 International and lost the ODIs 3-2.

Butts, a former Guyana captain and West Indies off-spinner, said the extended West Indies Cricket Board’s Four-day season helped with the planning for the international series. He also noted that the Windies will be eagerly looking forward to the upcoming two Tests and three One-Day Internationals in England.
“We have players who showed that they want to play at the highest level. Some [players] started badly but picked up as the season went on. There is a lot of cricket this year and there is a lot to look forward to.”