England underestimated West Indies in stunning defeat, says Sir Viv

England underestimated West Indies in stunning defeat, says Sir Viv
Photo by Balhead via Wikimedia Commons

Sir Viv said England underestimated West Indies!

Cricket legend Sir Viv Richards believes England took the West Indies too lightly, resulting in their shock defeat in the three-Test series in the Caribbean.

Sir Viv, who applauded the victory by the West Indies, said England had been outgunned and didn’t expect it.

He added that England did not think West Indies to be this competitive, adding they have played the better cricket and had been in great form and it did hurt England.

“I am seeing a new level of fitness among the bowlers, especially you have to look at (Kemar) Roach and (Shannon) Gabriel and see the improvement,” he told the media in Antigua.

The former West Indies captain said the major difference in the series has been the Windies four-pronged pace attack led by the skillful Roach and accompanied by express pacer Gabriel, with the pro-active Jason Holder and heroic Alzarrie Joseph.

Sir Viv also gave kudos to Holder for what he termed as a series won of “great significance and showing brave hearts.”

Holder has been outstanding with an unbeaten 202 and a four-wicket haul in Antigua.

West Indies won the series 2-1 to reclaim the Wisden Trophy.