Shai Hope looks to Pakistan series after Australia debacle

Basseterre, St. Kitts: A visibly disappointed Shai Hope admitted the West Indies were thoroughly outplayed by Australia but urged his team to move forward with focus on the upcoming white-ball series against Pakistan.

Hope, who took over the T20 captaincy earlier this year, acknowledged the hurt of a 0-5 whitewash in the T20I series — coming on the heels of a 0-3 drubbing in the Tests — but said it was crucial to take lessons and not dwell on the past.

“It’s disappointing. We didn’t play the brand of cricket we’re capable of, especially with the bat,” Hope said after the final T20I defeat in St. Kitts. “But the message now is to regroup quickly. There’s another opportunity coming up against Pakistan.”

Chasing 171 in the final game, the Windies were again found wanting, with Australia’s middle-order trio of Cameron Green, Mitchell Owen and Tim David putting on another match-winning display. Green, who stood out throughout the series, was named Player of the Series for his consistent contributions.

Hope admitted that his side fell short on multiple fronts. “We were always one step behind the eight ball. We have to commend the bowling effort, but overall, just didn’t happen for us,” he said.

Despite a line-up filled with explosive T20 talent, the West Indies never looked settled — struggling for rhythm and clarity across all five games. Their batting collapses and tactical missteps, including toss decisions, compounded the woes.

“In the Caribbean, chasing is usually preferred with the dew and wind around. But the toss isn’t in my hands,” Hope added, hinting at frustration over conditions and execution.

Still, there were encouraging signs from the bowling unit, which Hope highlighted as a foundation to build on. “We’ve found some clarity there. The bowlers executed better and showed fight. We’ll put this behind us and look ahead.”

With a three-match T20I and ODI series against Pakistan looming, West Indies cricket finds itself at another crossroads. Emergency meetings have reportedly taken place within the board to assess the performance crisis.

In a show of solidarity, legendary former captain Clive Lloyd has offered his support, expressing his willingness to help steer West Indies cricket back to its proud traditions. West Indies cricket can look forward to Hope.