ICC World Cup 2019 | Defeat against Australia a 'tough pill to swallow', says Shai Hope

06/07/2019

Shai Hope has admitted that it was very hard to get a grip of the fact that they lost to Australia but happy for the fact that they sent out another reminder of their ability. Hope also added that all the plans may not come to fruition and the team needs to adapt themselves in certain situations.

West Indies’ plan of rolling the opposition out acted in a brilliant way against Pakistan as the Asian nation was bundled out for 105 in their opening match. The same formula also choked Australia in the first few overs as the defending champions reduced to 38 for 4 and 79 for 5 before they recovered to post 288. West Indies were well placed on 190 for 4 in the 35th over before Hope's wicket shifted the game back to Australia, and Hope admitted that it was very hard to accept.

"Obviously it's going to be a tough pill to swallow having basically been dominating the game for the majority of it then not being able to cross the line. When you get wickets with the new ball you always put a team under pressure. It's just unfortunate that we couldn't drive it home and get the tail in a bit earlier. Australia are a quality side and showed us they can rebuild to post a different score," Hope was quoted as saying by BCCI.

The short ball tactics have really been so effective in the tournament so far, and West Indies are at the forefront of it. When asked if their short-ball tactics had shown a vulnerability in Australia's top order, Hope said, "I think so, yes, but regardless of what plan you throw at them sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't so you always have to be able to adapt to what they throw at you as well."

West Indies will take on South Africa on Monday at the Aeges Bowl in Southampton.