Reifer: West Indies still has “a long way to go” against spin

“Batting in the middle overs is something that we continue to work on. We want to get really consistent with that,” West Indies coach Reifer said ahead of the 2nd ODI in Guwahati. | Photo Credit: RITU RAJ KONWAR

West Indies batting coach Floyd Reifer on Tuesday said the team was working to improve its batting in the middle overs, particularly against spin, but acknowledged that there was still considerable ground to cover.

“When you play on slow, turning wickets in different parts of the world, guys have to make adjustments and wickets will fall on those types of surfaces. But batting in the middle overs is something that we continue to work on. We want to get really consistent with that. The aim to get back to the years 2024 and 2025, where we scored at more than six runs an over in the middle overs. But it’s a work in progress. Guys have improved batting against spin, but still a lot of a long way to go for us,” he said on the eve of his team’s second ODI against India here.

West Indies coach Floyd Reifer | Photo Credit: PTI

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Reifer stressed the importance of fielding discipline after his side dropped Shubman Gill on 11 in the first ODI, with the India captain going on to score 110.

“Fielding is an attitude. You come on the day and got to be up for it. You’re playing against the No. 1 team in the world on good wickets and fast outfields - it’s important to take your chances. You can’t afford to drop players like Gill, Rohit, and Kohli. We’ve really emphasised the importance of staying focused on the field and bringing the right attitude,” he said.