'Most of the guys didn't sleep whole night' - Nicholas Pooran on the troubles faced by West Indies cricketers amidst COVID-19 scare

As five more members from their side tested positive for COVID-19, the West Indies had to dig deep into their resources during the third T20I on Thursday. These five members consisted of three players which includes Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, and Justin Greaves, along with assistant coach Roddy Estwick and physician Dr. Akshai Mansingh. Pakistan managed to win the final T20I and thus, whitewashed the visitors.

Nevertheless, their stand-in skipper Nicholas Pooran was mightily impressed with the courage his team showed in the game on December 16. Before the commencement of the series, Sheldon Cottrell, Roston Chase and Kyle Mayers had tested positive for the coronavirus after their arrival in Pakistan and were thus, ruled out of the series. Thereafter, West Indies had to face the hosts with a depleted side.

As a matter of fact, rapid Antigen tests were conducted on the remaining 15 players and six support staff members on Thursday, all of which came back negative. Only then was the final T20I allowed to take place. Thus, owing to the new COVID-19 cases, the ODI series between the two teams had to be postponed to June next year.

“We spent the whole day wondering whether we should play this game or not”- Nicholas Pooran

Despite losing the game, Pooran was pleased with his team. In the post-match presentation, he spoke about how his teammates were in a dilemma whether to play the game or not. He also mentioned the fact that most of his players couldn’t even sleep the whole night out of fear.

“Most of the guys haven’t slept the whole night and I’m very proud of the unit. I want to commend all the guys for making that extra effort to come out to play today. We spent the whole day wondering whether we should play this game or not. A lot of positives and a lot of guys took their opportunities. A special bunch of guys and we have competed throughout and well done to the guys,” said Pooran after West Indies lost the final T20I by seven wickets.

Speaking about the game, West Indies scored a massive 207 for the loss of just three wickets in their 20 overs, but ended up on the losing side. After Mohammed Rizwan and Babar Azam smashed their respective half-centuries, Pakistan ended up chasing the total with seven balls to spare.

“Felt like the last two overs, we lost the momentum. Pakistan bowled well. We were 15 runs short on this wicket,” said the West Indies T20I skipper, who himself smoked 64 off 37 deliveries. For his 87 off just 45 deliveries, Pakistan’s keeper-batter, Rizwan, then went on to win the Player of the Match award, and also won the Player of the Series award for his consistent performances throughout the series.