WI v SL 2018: Concentrated on putting the ball in good areas, says Shannon Gabriel

Shannon Gabriel helped West Indies to bowl out Sri Lanka for just 253 with a 5-fer.

Shannon Gabriel (AFP)

West Indies pacer Shannon Gabriel is delighted to have picked up a 5-wicket haul on Day 1 of the second Test for his team, as the West Indies bowled out Sri Lanka, despite Dinesh Chandimal's brilliant hundred, for just 253 in the first innings. The surface at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium at Gros Islet in St Lucia offered enough help for the fast bowlers and Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach, who himself picked 4 wickets, exploited it wonderfully. 

Gabriel at the end of the day's play, gave credit to maintaining focus on consistency of the length by him, for this performance. He said, "I think I went out there this morning and concentrated on putting the ball in the right areas, because we knew there was a bit [in the pitch] this morning," 

"Thankfully, things went my way today. I think it was a little slow, but you're still getting that bounce, so it was important to hit the right areas and the right length. Most of the guys did that today... Roach bowled well this morning, didn't get the success he deserved."

The humble fast bowler also praised the leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo for his support in the cause. 

"I just thought Bishoo was good today, more consistent with his line and length, so hopefully as the game goes on he can play a bigger part."

West Indies are already 1-0 up in the series and look really good to seal the series here itself. Gabriel believes, they will have to still maintain their discipline and stay focussed while batting. 

He said, "I think once we get good weather and the sun comes out, it will dry out a bit. And once our batsmen apply themselves and bat long, I think we will be capable of putting up a good score in the first innings."

(Inputs from Cricbuzz)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 15 Jun, 2018

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