Tendulkar, Kohli, Richards hail West Indies’ triumph over England
Image : Collected
|| Desk Report ||
West Indies’ brilliant win over hosts England in the opening Test in Southampton drew rich applause from around the cricketing world, including top players like Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Vivian Richards and Michael Vaughan.
The Caribbean side beat England by four wickets on the final day of the first international Test amid coronavirus contagion on Sunday, taking a 1-0 lead at the Ageas Bowl in a three-Test series, largely thanks to a 95-run knock by Jermaine Blackwood.
“Wow @windiescricket what a win. Top display of test cricket,” said Team India captain Virat Kohli on Twitter.
Batting great Sachin Tendulkar praised Blackwood’s magnificent knock on the final day and tweeted “Good all-round performances by players from both teams. Jermaine Blackwood played a crucial knock in a tense situation to see @windiescricket through. An important win which has set up the series perfectly. #ENGvWI.”
West Indies batting legend Vivian Richards also hailed the team’s gritty performances, saying the visitors ‘deserved to win’ the Test.
“First game after the break belongs to us! (it’s been possible) for some gritty performance from the lads. This team deserves the win in this game. Congratulations boys! You make us proud...,” Sir Viv Richards wrote on his Twitter handle.
However, former England captain Michael Vaughan tipped it as an incredible game of cricket in these tough times.
“Great week of Test Cricket ... For the West Indies to have come over to play is remarkable in these times ... For them to have played so well & won is incredible ... I don't even think England fans will be too disappointed ... bloody love Test cricket,” Michael Vaughan wrote.
Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop also praised the leadership of captain Jason Holder and the role of coach Phil Simmons in the success.
“Can’t speak highly enough about the skill and character shown by @windiescricket. Very well-coached and led by @Coachsim13 and @Jaseholder98. Kudos to Gabriel and Blackwood as well for outstanding contributions was behind the triumph. Yes still two Tests to go but good start,” Bishop tweeted.
“Great characters shown in this win by some key players.. congratulations to coach , capt and team,” said former Windies pacer Courtney Walsh.
“Many congratulations @windiescricket on a brilliant win. Great display of skills and maturity and extremely well led by Jason Holder. Top knock from Blackwood in the fourth innings and West Indies showing how it is done,” former India batsman VVS Laxman also wrote.
