Legends are helping us to stay focused, says Bravo

The West Indies cricketers might be dealing with myriad issues off the field, but the association of great fast bowler Curtly Ambrose with the national side has been a source of great joy for them. Ambrose was appointed as the bowling consultant to the team earlier this year and captain Dwayne Bravo admitted the legend brings a lot of energy to the team.

Ambrose, one of the greatest pace bowlers, belongs to an era bygone when West Indies cricket throbbed with life. Bravo admitted it was good to see the West Indian greats getting involved with the current crop of players.

“Sir Curtly brings a different energy and the attitude to the side. The players really respect him and look up to him for what he has done for our cricket. We also have players like Clive Lloyd, Richie Richardson helping the guys out.  I have grown up watching these legends. Players now can go to them and get some advice," Bravo told reporters on Friday.

Bravo said the reason their side fared well despite the ongoing tussle with their cricket board on payment issues was because they have stood with each other in their fight. "The good thing is that the team is sticking together and supporting each other. We have a must-win attitude in the team, which is great to see," Bravo said.

Bravo was naturally delighted with his team’s showing in Kochi but said they needed to continue in the same vein. "It is a great feeling to go 1-0 up against the world champions, especially without guys like Chris (Gayle) and (Sunil) Narine. That was our best all-round game we have played in a long time. As a captain and as a group, you always ask your players to take up responsibility. You want one of the top four to try and bat deep into the innings and get a hundred. We have set ourselves a standard, now that we have got a good start, we have to make sure we maintain it.”