Wickham backs West Indies to build a big first-innings total
Wickham made 61 on debut, helping West Indies recover from early setbacks alongside an unbeaten century from Jangoo
West Indies debutant Kevin Wickham said on Friday that posting a first-innings total of around 400 against Bangladesh in the second Test at Sylhet would give his side a fighting chance.
West Indies ended the day at 235/4 after 70 overs, with play called off due to bad light. Amir Jangoo remained unbeaten on 111, having shared a 131-run fourth-wicket stand with Kevin Wickham, who contributed 61 before being dismissed.
“Well, I think it's good for us to try to get to a massive total, probably 400 plus or 350 plus because of the way the surface is playing at the moment,” said Wickham.
“I think it's a wicket that you would want to bat once on or give yourself that opportunity that you could bowl twice at these guys,” said Wickham.
“Because we obviously know the pitch would deteriorate a bit. So once we get up to a good total, probably 350 plus, I think that we're in with a really good chance,” he said.
Wickham credited Jangoo for guiding him in the middle while adding that he wanted to bat as long as possible.
“Yeah, first Test innings and there was a bit of nerves around after losing wickets early but my aim was just to bat as long as possible,” said Wickham.
“I think that Bangladesh obviously set some really good fields. Things weren't going their way for a bit and then they just tried to contain us and tried to build a lot of pressure. So I think that the spinners did a pretty decent job, but as you get in on the pitch it becomes easier, so I wouldn't say it was an easy task, but when you put down your head and bat, it's pretty good,” he said.
“I think that Amir (Jangoo) batted very well. I think that for most of my innings he was guiding me and telling me what Test cricket is all about, just staying patient. The bowling is a lot more consistent, so just trust the defence. And I think that worked very well for me,” he said.
Wickham, who scored heavily in domestic cricket, said that the coach asked him to stay ready as they had some injury concerns.
“The coach actually told me to stay ready because a few guys weren't feeling well last night. So basically it was just about getting set and ready for my mind, just in case the opportunity presents itself,” he said.
“And this morning when I came to the ground I was sitting in the dressing room and the coach came to me and told me 'congratulations', I'd be making my debut,” he said, adding that it was a dream come true affair for him.
“Honestly, it's always a dream to play Test cricket and once the opportunity presents itself, I make sure that I'm ready and fit to go and grab that opportunity,” he added.
