West Indies hope Sri Lanka success sparks new era

West Indies believe their series triumph over Sri Lanka can serve as a turning point after securing a 1-0 victory in the two-Test series in North Sound.

It marked their first win of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle and their first Test series victory in 11 attempts, having last won a series in 2023. More significantly, it was achieved on the back of strong batting performances – an area that had been a concern for the side in recent years.

The hosts posted 626/9 in the opening Test, powered by Amir Jangoo's 233 and captain Roston Chase's 194 in a record 401-run fifth-wicket stand. In the second Test, Justin Greaves' 180 and Shai Hope's 112 helped West Indies save the match and secure the series.

“The batting is something that we put a lot of emphasis on because it was mostly the bowling that was standing up for us in the majority of the games,” Chase said after the game finished on Tuesday.

"It's something that I really put forth to the guys that we need to be able to at least give the bowlers something to work with and they raised their hands tremendously in this series." 

The captain was encouraged by the side's ability to convert individual performances into match-defining totals.

"We had four hundreds [in the series]. I mean, we've been scoring hundreds in the past games but these are big hundreds and not only that, we turn them into big totals as well.  

"For two guys to get hundreds in two innings, that says a lot," Chase added.

The victory was particularly special given West Indies' struggles against Sri Lanka as they win a Test series against the Asian side for the first time in 23 years.

“I'm very elated, especially against a team like Sri Lanka, that we struggle to beat even at home and especially when we go away to them - it's very difficult to beat them

“So to come here and to beat them - just not beat them but in a dominating kind of way - is very pleasing,” he expressed.

Looking ahead, the skipper hopes the result can be the start of a more consistent run in Test cricket.

"I just want this to be a stepping stone for us going forward.

"And not just leave it there and think, 'oh, we won one series and that's enough'. I think we need to just have that consistency. I think winning games consistently, that would be great for us in terms of growth and going forward as a cricket nation.”

Player of the Series Justin Greaves, who also claimed four wickets across the two Tests, said his approach has always been centred around contributing to the team.

“Always wanting to get really big scores. Always talk about staying hungry in the dressing room. It's just not for yourself, it's just more for the team at the end of the day. It's always team first for me."

Chase also heaped praise to Greaves, describing his performances as a fulfilment of long-recognised potential.

"He's a quality cricketer. From the first time I saw him, I knew he had great talent. I'm just happy to see that it's come to life right now."

West Indies next host Pakistan in a two-Test series in July-August as they look to build on a landmark victory against Sri Lanka.