Da Silva says "tears came to my eyes instantaneously" after first Test century

03/26/2022

West Indies wicketkeeper Joshua da Silva celebrated wildly after scoring a brilliant maiden Test century against England in the final Test in Grenada.

Da Silva batted superbly alongside the tail, sharing three crucial partnerships with Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales to earn the West Indies a key 93-run lead. And the 23-year-old has admitted he teared up after reaching three figures with a four off Craig Overton.

Speaking to the host broadcaster, Da Silva said: "I think the emotion said it all, tears just came to my eyes instantaneously. It means the whole world – thank you to everyone who has supported me.

"My parents have backed me 100%, through all of the downs and all of the ups they have always been there. They were in Barbados and I couldn't do it there but I'm sure they're very happy to watch me on TV and see me do it here."

Da Silva reached the landmark with close friend and clubmate Seales at the other end, who celebrated Da Silva's hundred almost as much as he did. "He told me he has my back and I backed him 100%," Da Silva added.

"He told me he was going to get me there and he did so I can't thank him enough for the role he played." West Indies legend Curtly Ambrose was full of praise for Da Silva, telling BT Sport: "It was a brilliant hundred!

"He deserves it. He's played exceptionally well for this team and marshalled the lower order with quite a few partnerships." West Indies star Shai Hope, who was left out of the squad for this series, praised Da Silva's "fight and determination".

He tweeted: "Amazing innings Josh! That’s what you call fight and determination". Former West Indies quick Ian Bishop also tweeted: "So happy for Joshua DaSilva on his first test century.

"Appropriate that he was in the company of his club mate and good friend Jayden Seales. Top class young person."

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