CARDIFF, England (CMC):
WEST INDIES batsman Keacy Carty credits his recent purple patch to meticulous preparation after notching his third century in four matches.
Still, his heroics were overshadowed by Joe Root’s sublime unbeaten 166, which guided England to a thrilling three-wicket win over the West Indies on Sunday.
The victory secured an unassailable 2-0 lead for the hosts in the three-match ODI series.
Opting to bat first, the West Indies posted 308 all out in 47.4 overs, with Carty’s 103 off 105 balls anchoring the innings.
After an early wobble at 6-1, the 26-year-old rebuilt the innings in a crucial 141-run second-wicket partnership with Brandon King, who scored 59.
Carty also added 58 runs for the third wicket with skipper Shai Hope, who contributed a fluent 78 off 66 deliveries.
According to Carty, extra pre-match work has been paying off, and he hopes he can maintain the same work ethic.
“I’ve been focusing on the areas the coaching staff highlighted for me to improve, ensuring I can perform consistently at the international level,” Carty said.
Prior to these recent outstanding performances, Carty showed his prowess in 2024 by leading the West Indies in scoring with 560 runs at a staggering average of 62.22 in 11 innings, only bettered by Sri Lankans Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka.
Carty insists that his transformation in form stems from his attention to detail and his diligence.
“After experiencing some success in Australia, I knew that I just needed to focus on improving my weaker areas. So I ensured that I put in the hours and time ahead of every series with strategic intent if I was to improve and evolve as a player, not only for myself but also the team in the wider scheme of things.”
As a fringe player in 2023, Carty watched from the sidelines as the West Indies missed out on qualification for the 50-over World Cup that year in India, and it was that agonising feeling which fuelled his commitment and temperament over the last 17 months.
“In that moment, I knew that if I ever had the opportunity, that I would never allow us to be in this position going forward ever again.” He shared. “It wasn’t good for the team, or the region, given that it’s the first that has ever happened. And even though I was not a regular at the time, seeing the disappointment and sadness of the players made it painful, and we are now on a path with a collective mindset to ensure it never happens again.”
Despite Carty’s efforts, Root’s century sealed the chase with seven balls to spare. The visitors now turn their attention to the final ODI, aiming to end the series on a high, with Carty believing a bit more effort could see them coming away with a consolation win.
“We pushed England hard and took the game deep, and if we can add another 20-40 runs and maintain that intensity, we can finish strongly.”
In the meantime, Sherfane Rutherford has been added to the West Indies squad for the final game of the series today at the Oval. Rutherford arrived in London on Sunday following his stint in the IPL.
