Board apologise for Windies humiliation

KINGSTON: The West Indies cricket team issued a rare public apology for what it called a “shocking performance” with a record low innings of 47 in the first of four Cable and Wireless Tests against England. The poor score helped England beat the West Indies by ten wickets before lunch on Sunday at Sabina Park. “The West Indies cricket team sincerely apologises to the West Indies public for the shocking performance on the fourth day of the First Test match,” the team said in a statement.

Team manager Ricky Skerritt plans to investigate the “inappropriate conduct of four members of the team, who were seen in a party stand at Sabina Park following the loss,” according to  the statement, issued late on Sunday by spokesman Imran Khan. As loud music blared from speakers at the park’s Red Stripe Mound, several players were seen with fans who stayed on after the match’s early finish. “I am disgusted at the thoughtlessness and shamelessness displayed by these players following such a horrific performance,” Skerritt said. Captain Brian Lara said the team’s performance was an anomaly, and did not mean the team would give up during the rest of the series.

“The result of the First Test does not give a true reflection of our team’s preparation,” Lara said in the statement. “The team shares the pain caused by the defeat, and will be doubling its efforts toward achieving success in this series.” The second match series starts on Trinidad on Friday. (AP)