Kirk Edwards was relaxed when he faced the media on Saturday after his compelling innings of 110 on Test debut.
The strokeful right-hander said, “I tried to stay positive despite the situation we were in. It was very satisfying to get a century.”
Edwards said the enthusiastic crowd at the Windsor Park had driven him towards a century. “There is so much negativity in the Caribbean. When I go to the super-market people shout at me ‘You cannot win matches.' I want to change the can't into can. The response of the spectators here was terrific.”
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Edwards' father watched him get his debut century. “I did not make him any promises about getting a hundred. It was great to have him around and I was enjoying my game.”
The 26-year-old Barbadian revealed his talk with V.V.S. Laxman ahead of the Test had helped. “He is a brilliant player and I wanted to know the thinking behind the great batsman.”
Edwards said he was unruffled by criticism. “I know what I can do. I focus on my game.”
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The right-handed top-order batsman added, “I admire the Indian team. They have some great batsmen and some very good bowlers.”
Star bowler
Ishant Sharma has been the bowling star for India. On his second five-wicket haul of the series, the lanky paceman said, “The pitch here is different from the ones for the first two Tests. The surface here is a lot slower. As a bowler you have to perform on different tracks and conditions.”
Ishant said Edwards batted well but added the West Indian was fortunate.
“He was troubled by the bouncer. He top-edged a delivery and there were occasions when he could have been dismissed.”
Asked about Chanderpaul leaving deliveries at the last moment, Ishant said, “He is the most irritating batsman to bowl at. But there is little you can do about it. People have got him out.”
Ishant said Praveen had a future in Tests. “He swings the ball and swing bowlers are useful in any form of the game.”