Cricket: West Indies rue failure to win series

Sammy's heroics go in vain as Australia level series.

GROS ISLET: West Indies captain Darren Sammy was left ruing a disappointing batting display at the top of the order as the hosts' hopes of a first series-win over Australia in 17 years were shattered when the tourists clinched a 30-run victory in a thrilling fifth and final One-Day International (ODI).

Chasing 282, West Indies came agonisingly close before Australia won to level the series 2-2 with one match ending as a tie.

From a seemingly hopeless position of 118 for seven, Sammy and all-rounder Andre Russell carved out a record eighth-wicket partnership of 101 off just 59 balls to take their team to 219 with nine overs left. Sammy was eventually last man out in the 48th over having hit a blistering 84 off 50 deliveries, while Russell made 41 off 33.

"At one time it looked like we would be chasing 330 but we pulled it back," said Sammy. "Against the world number one, with our backs against the wall, it was a fantastic effort. The top order didn't click again but we can still put runs on the board. We have a 'never say die' attitude. I think we should have won the series."

Australian captain Shane Watson admitted there was still work to be done ahead of a two-match Twenty20 series.

"Sammy ran us close," said Watson. "There are a few things we have to work on but we're going the right way."

Earlier, Australia made 281 for nine, their highest score of the series, after being put into bat. Watson, with 66, and fellow opener David Warner, who smashed 69, were the stand-out contributors.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2012.