I am really proud of the fight from West Indies: Viv Richards

West Indies cricket legend Sir Viv Richards is proud of the effort from the West Indies team after they pulled off an unlikely draw in the second Test match against India at Sabina Park in Jamaica. India was in commanding position but the West Indies middle-order showed a lot of character and temperament to save the Test match.

“This is a marvelous performance from this young team. I am really proud of them,” Richards was quoted as saying by WICB’s official website. “They really stood up to the challenge and we should be proud of this kind of performance. They did not win the Test match but if we can see more efforts like this I am sure this team is on the way to very good things.”

“They applied themselves and were rewarded. This should be great for them and it shows that they can play at this level. This has lifted the series and I hope it lifts this team as well. There is talent, there is the fight and there is the character in that West Indies dressing and we saw it here today,” he added.

Roston Chase claimed 5 wickets and went on to score his first Test century in the second Test match of his career. He remained unbeaten on 137 off 269 balls. He built good partnerships with Jermaine Blackwood (63), Shane Dowrich (74) and captain Holder (64*) to save the match.

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“My advice to him is keep believing in [himself]. He’s off to a tremendous start in his Test career – with a terrific five-wicket haul and then a significant century like this which saved the match,” said Richards, who is known for not losing a Test series as a captain.

“He’s now being mentioned and respected, where this is concerned with making a ton and taking a five-for. So I urge him and the team to keep growing and keep believing in themselves,” he advised.

India is 1-0 up in the series with two matches to go and they will be aiming to win the third Test starting August 9 at Gros Islet to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

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