WI remains positive after lone wicket on day 1 – Griffith

Despite claiming one wicket and conceding 334 runs in 90 overs, West Indies Assistant Coach Rayon Griffith said the men in maroon are positive heading into day two of the third Test. The Guyanese Griffith also provided clarity on Kumar Roach leaving the field on the opening day in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.
“It’s a tough day. That’s cricket; sometimes you have some tough days and some easy days; that’s how it goes. Devon and Tom played well – the partnership sets the game up for New Zealand,” Griffith told media operatives at stumps on day one.
“It makes a difference. It’s good to see we have a mindset of battling. It’s good to have that wicket, so we will come back with a positive mindset on Day Two.”
The veteran Roach provided the only breakthrough for the West Indies, and he took his Test tally to 294 wickets. Coach Griffith said he was unclear about the direct situation of Roach leaving the field, but he remains confident of the veteran returning to bowl on day two.
“He is a fighter, so I am expecting him to come back on day two,” Griffith said. Griffith also credited Jayden Seales and Roach for bowling well early on and making runs hard to score. While New Zealand is in pole position, Griffith believes that the match can go either way on day two. “We have the most experience in that room.
The game is in progress; we have been through situations like this before, so the guys are accustomed to situations like this. They will come ready on day two.” “We try not to let the toss dictate our show. Whatever decision is made, we try to make everyone ready, whether to bat or bowl. It’s always going to be tough when they have long series.
It’s a good challenge, and most players enjoy the challenge,” the West Indies assistant coach said.