‘It was just more intent’ – Romario Shepherd reflects on his heroics from West Indies’ second ODI win

Romario Shepherd. (Photo Source: RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

The second ODI of the multi-format series between the West Indies and India saw the hosts defeat Rohit Sharma-led India and level the series. After losing the two-match Test series and the first ODI of the series, the Windies put in an improved effort in the second game, which bore fruit as they ran away with a six-wicket victory.

The Indian team batted first in the second ODI, and they fell prey to the brilliant bowling attack of the West Indies. Bundled out for just 181 runs, it was the excellent spell of Romario Shepherd that helped the hosts limit team India to a below-par total in the first innings.

Bowling eight overs, Shepherd took three wickets and conceded 37 runs in the process. He took the wickets of Ishan Kishan, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja to derail the side’s plans of clinching the series.

After the game, Shepherd came forward to reflect on his performances from the second game. He pointed out that his spell came down to intent, and that it was about fighting back when the Indian team started pushing.

“It was just more intent, I just tried to run in hard and hit the pitch because when you hit the wicket, you get something out of it. So, that was in my bowling plan and especially to some of the Indian batsmen, I don’t want to get too full to them. When I came in, I got a wicket and set the tone. Basically, the guys started to push a bit and then we get another wicket that put pressure back on them,” Romario Shepherd was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

India always have some great batsmen in their line-up: Shepherd

Furthermore, he also talked of his spell and how much it meant to him to get one of the best spells of his career against a team of India’s stature. He opined that it does not matter what team they put out on paper, India always possess many quality batters in their squad.

“It’s a big job from me, basically, against a big team like India… it doesn’t matter whatever team they put out on paper, India always have some great batsmen in their line-up. So, to get my best figures against India was a great feeling for me,” Shepherd said.