Lot of players learning how to play Test cricket: West Indies coach

Abu Dhabi - Springer reckons wickets will be the key in their record chase of 456

West Indies head coach Henderson Springer felt wickets will be the key in their record chase of 456 to level the Test series at the Shaikh Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. West Indies lost four wickets for 171 runs on fourth day and he said the team lacked the experience to match the mighty Pakistan.
"We have two experienced players in Marlon Samuels and Darren Bravo. Lot of guys are still actually learning to play this game of Test cricket and make their mark. We are up against a strong team in their backyard, one that are coming out a very good tour of England. But it's good to see that we are getting these starts and 170 is a start, especially when we are chasing over 450 runs. Our problem is that we are losing two wickets too soon and sometimes two wickets too many."
On his plan for his batsmen after Pakistan declared, he said: "Given the time we were left with we planned to bat normally. We wanted to be in a position to reassess with wicket in hand but unfortunately we lost two wickets too many."
On the grand plan for final day, he said: "We can assess situation after lunch time and that will determine the attitude down the line. We can't say it's the last day so let's block from the first ball. Even in a drawn game we need to build momentum to save a game as we do to win one."
What are the lessons learnt to be packed in bags for Sharjah Test?
"Sharjah will be a different place. What we have gained is experience and attitude. We also need to value our wickets. These pitches are good batting pitches. Pakistani spinners have done well but this pitch is suited for batsmen. Those who got wickets had to work very hard."
Asked if the Windies youth is picking basketball and baseball over cricket, he said: "I can just say for my country Barbados. Basketball is very popular and will always be an option because it is very well televised. Cricket has its fair share of participation in grass root level."
"We are not losing too many players to basketball or baseball," he assured.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com