West Indies batting coach Floyd Reifer said his batsmen have to take more responsibility during their innings in an effort to level the three-match Test series against New Zealand.
After a drawn first Test, West Indies collapsed in three days, losing by nine wickets in the second match as New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Reifer noted West Indies displayed potential in the second Test, but only in brief phases.
“In terms of the totality of our game, I thought we played a decent game of cricket,” Reifer told Cricket West Indies media.
“Obviously, we put ourselves in very good positions being in control of the game, but you could see that we did not control the game for long enough periods of time, especially in the batting department…going into this game that is something that we spoke about and it is something that we want to improve on in terms of when we are in control of the situation to stay in control for longer periods of time.”
Reviewing Mount Maunganui’s conditions, Reifer stressed that batsmen must remain vigilant during the contest’s opening two days.
“All the pitches here are green…the first two days are good for bowling.
“The ball will nip around a lot here in New Zealand, so it is just a matter of, like I said, respecting the starts. Certain shots you can and cannot play early in New Zealand with the new ball, so it is just staying disciplined and for players to take more responsibility in terms of how they go about their innings.”
In the second Test, West Indies batsmen spent time at the crease but failed to perform as no player scored a fifty and were dismissed in the twenties, thirties, and forties.
However, they will be hoping for a repeat of the first Test, led by Justin Greaves, who struck 202 not out and with support from Shai Hope (140) and fast bowler Kemar Roach (58 not out).
“I always believe in Justin’s ability to score runs and perform at this level,” Reifer said.
“It was proven in the last (first) Test. He has been batting well for a long period of time, so it is just for him now to put in the consistent performances.”
