In what has now become the norm in the lean years of West Indies cricket, skipper Jason Holder found himself repeating familiar phrases as he tried to sound positive ahead of the third and final One-Day International against Sri Lanka on Saturday.

With the series already gone following losses in the first two games in Colombo, West Indies as usual, only have pride to play for and like many of his predecessors, Holder told a media conference that would be the main objective behind winning the contest at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

“Our plans are simple. We just want to finish this series on a high,” said Holder, who turned 24 on Thursday.

“Although the series has been lost, it is still important we salvage some pride, finish the series on a high and win this last game.”

He added: “There is rain around so we will have to watch that, but once we get a chance to play we will be giving all we got. We have left Colombo and came here to Kandy so we hope the change will bring a better result.”

In a series where both matches have been badly affected by rain, the Caribbean side have come off the worse of the two teams.

At the R Premadasa last week in the first ODI, West Indies crashed to a one-wicket loss in a tense affair, after the game was reduced to 26 overs per side.

Similarly, in the second contest reduced to 38 overs at the same venue, West Indies were trounced by eight wickets, to concede the series.

The defeat means West Indies are yet to win an international match on tour, after losing the Test series 2-0.

(Jamaica Observer)