Saturday, April 07, 2007

Bradshaw retains faith in Windies

Ian Bradshaw
Bradshaw has only played two games so far in the World Cup
Seam bowler Ian Bradshaw is refusing to give up hope that West Indies can still win the World Cup.

The hosts must win their remaining Super 8 games against South Africa, Bangladesh and England to have any chance of progress in the tournament.

"We have to play near perfect games from here on in," said Bradshaw.

"We still have dreams of lifting the Cup on the 28th. It is not beyond us but first and foremost we have to take care of these three games."

West Indies came through their first round group with a 100% record but have lost badly to Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka since then, prompting fierce criticism from supporters and ex-players.

"You are conscious of it. Family, friends and the fans are disappointed because they are looking for more from the team and we ourselves are really disappointed because we started well and just fell off in the last three games, which were unfortunately critical games for us.

"That has put us in the situation where we have to win the last three games and have other results turn our way.

"It means getting the runs on the board, bowling tight and taking wickets and having the energy in the field," said Bradshaw.

We have to try and win each game and win as convincingly as possible
Ian Bradshaw

West Indies return to action against South Africa in Grenada on Tuesday after a nine-day break since their last match.

And Bradshaw, who hit the winning runs when West Indies won the ICC Champions Trophy in England three years ago, believes they must improve "each and every aspect" of their game.

"It is pretty straightforward for us from here on in - we have to try and win each game and win as convincingly as possible," he added.

"If we work hard, we can get out from the Super 8s, then we are confident that we can play two good games, in the semi-final and the final, to win the Cup."

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