'Many have given up on this team' - Kieron Pollard's inspirational speech after West Indies clinch T20I series against England

West Indies limited-overs skipper Kieron Pollard seemed to be on top of the world after his team defeated England by 17 runs in the series-deciding fifth T20I to claim the series 3-2. While commenting on the team’s well-deserved win, Pollard put not just the home fans but the entire world on notice that their best is yet to come.

The all-rounder said that each and every player of the West Indies team played their hearts out even after being written off by everyone. It has also been reported that many in the Caribbean wanted Pollard and the head coach Phil Simmons’ sacked after a poor outing in the T20 World Cup 2021 and a humiliating 2-1 defeat in the ODI series against Ireland at home recently.

Every single individual has rallied around: Kieron Pollard

“It’s wonderful. Many have given up on this team, but every single individual has rallied around. There have been a lot of negative things written about us, but this win is for everyone out in the dressing room. They have worked tirelessly coming from Jamaica (after the Ireland series) and have bounced back pretty well,” said Pollard during the post-match presentation.

Meanwhile, the two-time T20 World Cup winner also made his stand clear on dropping Odean Smith in the third game and replacing him with the in-form Rovman Powell after which it was reported that there was an alleged rift between the skipper and Smith. The Trinidadian cricketer laid all these speculations to rest by saying, “Empty vessels make the most noise.”

Coming back to the contest, the hosts won the toss and elected to bat first. Brandon Kings and Kyle Mayers added 59 runs for the first wicket stand before a middle-order resistance from Kieron Pollard (41*) and Rowman Powell (35*) powered the Windies to 179/4 from their 20 overs. The duo added 74 runs for the fifth wicket.

In reply, explosive opener Jason Roy was dismissed in the very first over but, number three batter James Vince (55) and middle-order batter Sam Billings (41) kept the visitors in the hunt before the West Indies bowlers pulled things back. With 20 runs to get off the final over, Jason Holder not only held his nerves but also took four wickets off consecutive deliveries as England were bundled out for 162 with a ball to spare.