West Indies’ latest batting sensation Kyle Mayers said he always “a positive person and believe his abilities and the team” and his positive intent helped him and the tourists to chase down a record total in the first Test of the ongoing two-match Test series in Bangladesh.
Mayers played a magnificent knock of unbeaten 210 on his Test debut to help the West Indies chase down a target of 395 – the fifth-highest successful run-chase in Test history and the highest ever in Asia on Day 5 in Chattogram to win the first Test by 3 wickets against Bangladesh Sunday (February 7).
With the impressive win on Sunday, West Indies took a 1-0 lead in the ongoing two-match Test series in Bangladesh, and the Player of the Match, Mayers was elated with his efforts, saying it was a great feeling to play Test cricket for his country and then hitting double ton to win the game for his team.
He also said his heroics in his debut Test against Bangladesh should “inspire all youngsters to work hard” while thanking his teammates, coaches, and family for backing him.
As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Mayers said: “I am always a positive person. I always believe in my abilities and the team, and I always was positive [to finish the chase]. We never gave up. We always said in the dressing room that we need to keep fighting. The captain and coach told the bowlers as well that you need to keep fighting on a pitch like this. Shannon [Gabriel] put in great effort to lead the way.”
He further added, “It is a great feeling to be playing Test cricket. Then to go on and score a century, and then to make it a double, and then going on to win this Test. I would like to be thankful to my team-mates, my coaches, and my family back home. A guy making his debut and making a double should inspire all youngsters to work hard and reach this level.”
Meanwhile, West Indies' impressive win over Bangladesh has been hailed by several former cricketers, including former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag and West Indies great Vivian Richards.
Sehwag wrote on Twitter: “West Indies. Unbelievable. One of the greatest chases. 210 on debut for Mayers. Beating Bangladesh on their home ground chasing 395. Wow, West Indies. Looks like a year where Away teams will dominate. #BANvWI,”
While Richards tweeted: “What a sensational win from the @windiescricket. We never stop fighting and that's what we proved today. Absolutely buzzing with the winning feeling. Test Cricket you beauty!!! #BANvWI,”
(With ANI Inputs)
