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Home  » Sports » Nothing less than victory will satisfy: Logie

Nothing less than victory will satisfy: Logie

By Ashish Magotra at the Oval
September 24, 2004 20:54 IST
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In his prime, Gus Logie was widely known as one of the best fielders to ever play for the West Indies. He was a gritty batsman too. Since he took over as coach of the team, the West Indies have taken firm steps towards regaining lost glory.

The players are comfortable with Logie's relaxed outlook to life, but beneath the man's calm surface there is tremendous determination.

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"I don't think we will be satisfied with anything less than victory. I know we want it bad enough; I know both teams want it bad enough. It's been a long summer and victory certainly will be the icing on the cake.

"If it doesn't happenÂ… then that's the way life goes," said the 44-year old on the eve of the Champions Trophy final against England.

The biggest difference between this West Indies side and that of a few years ago is the athleticism and drive it possesses. Dwayne Bravo, for one, effected two run-outs and claimed two wickets to single-handedly destroy the Pakistanis in the semi-finals. Another match like that for any of Logie's wards and the ICC Champions Trophy could well be in the West Indies' grasp.

"I think once we see the players go out into the ground we will see the commitment and the ability. I know we have the ability."

"They are young, fresh individuals and we have always said that when a youngster comes into the team he has to bring his 'A' game to the field. We are asking the older, more experienced, players to guide them as much as possible," he added.

In Ramnaresh Sarwan and Chris Gayle, the West Indies have cricketers who have virtually matured in the public eye. Gayle, 24, made his debut in 1999 and Sarwan, 24, in 2000.

"When you are young, you have a lot of energy. You are fearless. And that's what we have seen from the young Dwayne Bravo. Gayle and Sarwan have been very consistent as well. We hope they have one more great game left in the tank, because that's all we need at the moment," said Logie.

Indeed, things are finally starting to look up for the Windies. Logie gives credit for that to all his boys.

"The attitude of this West Indian team has changed for the better. And it's not only the seniors who are responsible. The youngsters too have done their bit. The seniors have shown the way and the youngsters, now more than any other time, are at the forefront.

"At the end of the day, the youngsters and the seniors both need to complement each other and we are doing that."

Logie has already tasted a fair amount of success. Victory in Sunday's final could well see another era of West Indian domination begin.

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