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Ahmedabad, Oct 27: Greg Chappell's remark about the West Indies' inability to win close matches earlier this year seems to have become an undying source of inspiration for the Caribbeans when they take on India.
So much so that five months on, the former Aussie captain's sharp comments serve as the trigger for West Indies to produce their very best every time they play India.
At least that's what West Indies skipper Brian Lara would have everyone believe.
Lara, who had referred to Chappell's comments earlier, brought up the topic yet again during a press meet here after th Windies scripted a thrilling three-wicket win with two balls to spare last night.
"Going back to that statement that Greg [Chappell] made in Jamaica, the guys are really determined each time they get out on to the field against India," Lara said.
"We've done that in the Caribbean, and in Malaysia we had a win and a loss. Here again, most importantly, playing India at home, the guys knew what an enormous task it was.
"Yes, we were winning against them, but in foreign conditions to them. Playing here in Ahmedabad, they definitely had the advantage, with the crowd and knowing the pitch.
"We wanted to win, and we planned to win, and the guys executed well," Lara said.
On winnng the May 18 one-dayer at Jamaica - the first of a five-match series - Chappell had said that because of their poor form, the West Indies found it difficult win close games.
Since then, the Caribbeans had stunned the Indians in four consecutive one-dayers at home, and though honours were shared 1-1 at the DLF Cup in Malaysia last month, Lara's side put it across Rahul Dravid and Co in yet another humdinger of a battle yesterday. (Agencies)
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