Bravo hopes to end 'rough period'

After three consecutive defeats to South Africa in two Twenty20s and an ODI, and the Super Eights' exit from the ICC World Twenty20, West Indies allrounder Dwayne Bravo has said the players were "feeling the pressure" and that the team realises its fans are "getting impatient". Bravo, however, felt that a win was "right around the corner" and hoped West Indies would regain their confidence quickly.

"We are going through a bit of a rough period," Bravo told the Trinidad and Tobago Express. "We understand we are representing the entire Caribbean. We want to do well. Things are not going our way. We are going to continue to work hard and one day the hard work will pay off.

"We've been playing inconsistent cricket. That is a major concern for us. We are still struggling to find a solution. All the guys are putting in an effort in the nets and in preparation. Once we get that victory, it is going to make a big difference for us. It is going to help our confidence as players and as a team."

West Indies' batting has been the problem in the home series against South Africa. In both the Twenty20 internationals they failed to chase modest targets and they never challenged South Africa's 280 in the first ODI. The top order, beginning with captain Chris Gayle, has failed to dominate the visitors' attack and the rest of the batsmen have been unable to cope with the loss of early wickets. In a new move, West Indies used Bravo at No.3 in all three games and he responded with 20, 40 and 15.

"I like the opportunity to bat at No.3. After bowling first, my legs will be a bit tired, but I relish the opportunity. It is something I grabbed with both hands. I will never say no to batting up the order," Bravo said. "The workload is a lot, but I am happy and will continue to strive and work hard."

West Indies only need to look at their opponents for inspiration. South Africa were also eliminated in the second round of the World Twenty20, which left them "very stressed out", according to batsman AB de Villiers.

"What happened in the World Cup was very disappointing. It will never go away,' de Villiers said. "It is a matter of bouncing back. We're taking it step by step. We've had a lot of meetings, a lot of briefings and positive chats to each other. We are all very hungry to play some good cricket and to give the public back home what they are looking for - trophies and a lot of wins."

South Africa take on West Indies in the second ODI of the five-match series in Antigua on Monday.