Uncomplicated approach sets Mayers apart, says WI batting coach

CHENNAI: Kyle Mayers may have been playing his debut Test but the 28-year-old from Barbados showed temperament and skill of someone with many matches under his belt during the unbeaten 210 that helped West Indies overall Bangladesh's target of 395 --- the fifth highest successful chase in Test history --- on the final day at Chattogram on Sunday. West Indies' batting coach Monty Desai believes Mayers' uncluttered approach is what helped him during his 310-ball knock.
Mayers' knock of 40 in the first innings showed glimpses of his batting prowess. "He is a naturally confident cricketer who doesn't complicate things and never over analyses his dismissals. Mayers' clutter-free approach, his ability to understand what went wrong and how to approach next time sets him apart," Monty told TOI on Monday.
While Mayers has the big shots in his repertoire, he trained extra hard to shore up his defense skills. After the conclusion of play on Day 4, Mayers took extra throwdowns of off-spin from fielding coach Ray Griffith as part of his preparation for the final day. "The training sessions coming into the series emphasized on sharpening the defense skills of our batsmen. Mayers is blessed with a power game and he went the extra mile to tighten his defence," Monty revealed.
As Mayers and Nkrumah Bonner's fourth wicket stand kept West Indies in the chase, the dressing room began to breathe easy. "Once we were able to bat through the morning session on Day 5 without losing a wicket --- I felt confident that this chase was achievable. But again, we ensured to just stay in the moment," said Monty.
Even as Bonner departed, Mayers had Joshua Da Silva's company and their 100-run 6th wicket partnership sealed Bangladesh's fate."
With 129 needed in the final session, Monty revealed how everyone in the dressing room stayed where they were. "There was a moment after tea in the final session when I wanted to make use of the washroom but one of our debutants --- Shayne Moseley --- asked me to hold on to it. I ended up not moving from my seat till we completed the chase as was the case with everyone in the dressing room," said Monty. After the game got over, coach Phil Simmons --- while hugging Monty --- remarked, "Hard work always succeeds."
Monty felt Simmons' buzz word of ‘patience' resonated throughout the match for the players. Monty believes the record chase was possible due to the belief players had in their game plans. "Our players trusted their game plans and embraced "process of grind" throughout the five days of the match," he said.