Consistency key against UAE, stresses Windies coach

Napier, March 12 (IANS) Coach Stuart Williams says the West Indies will be focused on delivering a consistent performance when they face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their crucial World Cup Pool A fixture here on Sunday.

The Caribbean side is battling for a spot in the quarter-finals and need to beat the UAE convincingly and hope other results go their way in order to qualify for the next round, reports CMC.

However, the Windies have been erratic throughout the competition and Williams hopes they can put that behind them against the UAE.

"For us, it is about consistency. It is just for us to get it right. Once they get it right, we are quite comfortable," Williams said.

“The bowlers are getting into their own now (so) it’s sad that the batters have dropped off a little bit. For us now, it is about getting our total ‘A’ game for Sunday.”

West Indies lie fifth in Pool B on four points and as it stands, could be heading out of the competition unless results go in their favour in the other fixtures.

Unbeaten group leaders India have already qualified on ten points but South Africa, Pakistan and Ireland are locked on six points, with a game to play.

The Proteas are likely to beat the UAE on Thursday and seal their berth in the next round, leaving the West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland to vie for the last two spots.

The West Indies need full points against the UAE to have any chance of qualifying, and Williams said it was important the players were mentally prepared for the task.

"At the end of the day, it has nothing to do with the toss. The toss is going to be important, yes, but on the day we will work out our maths as to what we want to do and what we need to do to qualify," the former Test batsman said.

"That’s why we want to get the guys in the right frame of mind and it has started from training. We’re getting their focus right, getting ourselves together and hitting our straps."

Williams said while the team’s form had been patchy, the Windies boasted a strong squad. He also praised in-form strike bowler Jerome Taylor who has been among the leading wicket-takers with 11 scalps.

"Jerome Taylor is now coming back into international cricket from injury, from a long layoff of about three or four years," said Williams.

"He started very slowly in South Africa. But since he’s got here, he’s building up and his fitness level has come up. The ball is just coming out of his hands much better. He’s leading from in front and doing a good job for us."

He added: "We have a settled team. If you look at the tournament, we’ve probably just replaced one (player for another) but we have a settled team. We have good fast bowlers, good spinners and excellent batters. For us, it’s just executing at the end of the day and just performing, and being consistent."