Win, a source of inspiration

A NUMBER of persons yesterday extended greetings to the West Indies team on its historic victory over  Australia in the Fourth and final Test Match in Antigua. Following are some of the sentiments expressed to the team captained by Trinidadian Brian Lara:

Secretary General of Caricom, Edwin Carrington, in his congratulatory letter to WI Captain Brian Lara, described the victory as an “outstanding and magnificent” one which took us beyond the boundary. Carrington noted the historic victory was achieved in the true spirit of the game “as we like to see cricket.”  He said the sensational record achievement for having chased the most runs ever, 418, and to win with time and wickets in hand against the best team in the world, is certainly cause for celebration. Carrington said the manner in which the victory was achieved was a great source of inspiration for the team especially to the younger players and points to the potential to regain the position as true champions of international cricket. He also urged the team not to look back as they move to the one day internationals.

Member of Parliament for Chaguanas, Manohar Ramsaran congratulated the team for their magnificent victory and their excellent batting, especially to Shivnarine Chanderpaul who was named Man of the Match. Ramsaran also congratulated Captain Brian Lara for his outstanding performance and record breaking win. President and Chief Executive Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board of Control (TTCBC), Alloy Lequay also congratulated the team for its magnificent victory and world record. He said the victory demonstrated great team work and conveyed special congratulations to Omari Banks. Lequay said he trusts that all young cricketers will follow in Banks’s outstanding example of discipline and commitment. The All Trinidad Sugar and General Workers Trade Union (ATSGWTU) in extending its congratulations to the team said the victory was more memorable because it was the “greatest run chase ever achieved in the history of the game.” 

The ATSGWTU said the entire team deserved the highest commendation, particularly as they are relatively young and inexperienced. ATSGWTU President Rudy Indarsingh said with the appropriate attitudinal development, the victory may represent the beginning of the resurgence of the WI as the “unbeatable world champions”. However he said the team requires the support of the nation, and the entire Caribbean if they are to develop into a powerful cricket unit.