I was watching a bit of Fire in Babylon last night – the documentary about the Windies in their heyday. It’s well worth watching if you haven’t already. It’s easy to forget just how brilliant they were – and how they physically battered opponents into submission with bat and ball.
The current Windies team is a complete contrast I’m afraid. Their captain is a medium pacer – something unthinkable twenty five years ago – and their best bowlers are mostly spinners. Meanwhile their best batsman is Shiv Chanderpaul; surely the antithesis of great stroke makers like Clive Lloyd and Sir Viv.
There have been loads of inquests into the demise of West Indian Cricket. Some of them are even more boring than Tony Crozier, so we won’t waste your time doing the same. Besides, they can usually be summed up in three letters: NBA.
Instead I’m going to discuss whether, as an impartial observer, their test team is making any progress. After all, Darren Sammy’s bowling might be about as intimidating as Emile Heskey in front of goal, but he actually seems like a good leader.
If I was writing this article twenty four hours ago, it would have been completely different. It’s because my view oscillates wildly from day to day. In the recent series against Australia, the Windies have put in some brilliant work in the field. Kemar Roach is the best seamer they’ve had since Ambrose and Walsh. The young spinners Bishoo and Shillingford have impressed me (the latter has a doosra which amazingly isn’t a chuck), and the out-fielding has also been committed. They’ve blown away the Aussies’ top order in every innings, only to lose the plot when the tail comes in. Their fans must be so frustrated.
The big problem though is the batting. Other than the amazing Chanderpaul, they hardly have any talent to speak of. Darren Bravo looks organised, but that’s about it. They miss Chris ‘IPL’ Gayle and Ramnaresh ‘why Grace Road?’ Sarwan more than England have missed Marcus Trescothick in ODIs. In fact, I really believe that the Windies would be winning the series against Australia if Gayle and Sarwan were in the side.
When Chanderpaul retires, the Windies will have a huge problem. Their batting will probably be worse than Bangladesh’s. It’s just such a shame. The bowling shows promise and this group of players seems united.
So what’s the solution? My tip would be to pick a few South Africans. Even New Zealand are doing that now. However, if you’ve got a more sensible suggestion let us know.
James Morgan
They are horribly inconsistent and this trait has been consistent over the last ten years. I think Sammy is a good leader and has a bit of fight and guts about him. I believe their biggest problem is the top three. There seems no building an innings and either the ball is blocked or smashed. I would take a risk and bat chanderpaul at three and try to get him to bat as long as possible with the hope the other batsmen can form partnerships with him.
Not sure I agree with you there.you’ve missed out the injured kieron edwards-is that his name?He averages over 50 (granted he had some beefing up from bangladesh scores).Similarly ive been impressed with darren bravo-a think organised is not really fair.talented,flamboyant and inexperienced would be how id describe him.
But the problem is politics ofcourse to a much greater extent than graham gooch backing alastair cook and thats where i think sammy is so important.He’s got the fighting spirit and that seems to have cemented them.
I havent seen the last test.No doubt the wheels came off but they did well in the one day series which australia still excel in.i think you’ve been way too harsh on them when they are making progress in my humble opinion.
what this will count for in may will be very little.It would be a huge shock if they beat england but that more to do with home advantage as our little stint in the subcontinent has demonstrated.
Gary. I think you’re totally right about playing England in May. It won’t do the Windies any good at all. It’s such a shame the tour is scheduled for then.
I think we can all agree then that Sammy is the right man for the job. He seems a lot more charismatic than Gayle ever did. I’ll keep a look out for Edwards. We’re yet to watch him play. By the way, opinions of Bravo are based on his performances in this series, when he’s batted patiently. Could be due to the pitches though. Run rates have been low / slow on the whole.
Hello yourself. That wasn’t the gretseat concert, but I’m glad you liked it. We’re coming back in the spring with all our regular band members (although the tipsy fiddler did provide some entertainment I understand people were taking bets over how soon he might fall over his amplifier. He’s not a regular, and won’t be). Come see us again. We’ll likely have a sound system with us as well.