WI vs Nz: Kieron Pollard issues a warning to the players with the World Cup in sight

Kieron Pollard was left disappointed after West Indies were convincing defeated by New Zealand in the three match T20 series, by a scoreline of 2-0 after the third match was abandoned due to rain. Kieron Pollard issued a stern warning to to the West Indian squad stating that poor performances could see them out of […]

By Nirmit Mehta Dec 1, 2020, 16:46 IST

WI vs Nz: Kieron Pollard issues a warning to the players with the World Cup in sight

Kieron Pollard was left disappointed after West Indies were convincing defeated by New Zealand in the three match T20 series, by a scoreline of 2-0 after the third match was abandoned due to rain. Kieron Pollard issued a stern warning to to the West Indian squad stating that poor performances could see them out of the squad, with the T20 World Cup in sight.

“Obviously disappointed. As a unit, didn’t expect to be outplayed this badly. Onus was on us to compete and win the series. The conditions are totally different to where we come from. We didn’t have enough time to practice, to get middle wicket practice, like that, which is why it’s been hard to win in New Zealand,” Kieron Pollard told ESPN Cricinfo.

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The first T20 match was a close call, with New Zealand chasing down a score of 176 runs in the last over. The first T20 match was a shortened affair as the two teams played out a thrilling 16-over match. Kieron Pollard played a captain’s knock in that match, bailing the West Indies out of a tough situation. Pollard registered a score of 75 runs in just 37 balls, smashing eight sixes and 4 boundaries.

In the second T20 match, West Indies were completely outplayed by the Kiwis who beat them by 72 runs, to clinch the series. Glenn Phillips registered a century which proved to be vital. With the T20 World Cup to be held in India next year, Kieron Pollard would be looking forward to have his big guns firing and settle on a winning combination at the earliest.

Kieron Pollard said that if the West Indian do not attempt to improve their fielding in the future they will make the task only more difficult for themselves. West Indies have won the T20 World Cup twice in 2012 and 2016. Pollard said that if the players do not perform they bear the risk of being dropped from the 11.

“That’s the only time it’s 11 vs 2 on the park. And if you don’t show the intent to want to do it, it’s going to be difficult. So as individuals, we have to look in the mirror. We don’t want to feel like laughing stocks in the dressing room. We have an opportunity now to think about it and come back. Next year is very crucial with the World Cup coming up. So if players don’t show that attitude, they may get the boot,” Kieron Pollard concluded.