Leroy Lugg not pleased despite U-19 Windies win

Providence (Guyana) - Opening batsman Leroy Lugg says he was not pleased with his performance despite a half century that led the Under-19 West Indies to a six-wicket win over U-19 Bangladesh in the opening One Day International (ODI) here.

Lugg led the run chase Monday with a top score of 69 as West Indies took a 1-0 lead in the seven match series. However, the Jamaican batsman, who shared an 80-run stand for the second-wicket with Jeremy Solozano, says he could have performed better.

“I think I didn’t perform to the best of my ability because I never was nibbling much ball and I never was timing the ball good but it is the first game so I will see what I can do for now to try and improve my game,” said Lugg Tuesday.

Tristan Coleman scored an unbeaten 20 to carry the home side to 138/4 after Bangladesh were bowled out for 135. Lugg survived at least two chances but grew in confidence until he got an outside edge attempting a boundary and was caught.

“It was a bad ball and the long on was in so I was trying to lick it over the top so I can get a boundary. I saw I got so many chances so I was trying to bounce back and get a big score because I got two chances,” said Lugg.

Lugg has conceded that he is attempting to emulate his iconic countryman, the prolific opening batsman Christopher Gayle. He says he plans on chasing bigger scores in the remaining matches.

“The track played fairly well. It was neutral to bowling and batting but it was easier for batting though. The bowlers bowled really well but I got to see through all the bowlers and get a big score.”