For cricket supporters of a certain age it is hard not to come over all misty eyed when considering the West Indies. The first World Cup that I followed was in 1979 when they carried all before them, their batting epitomised by the partnership between Viv Richards and Collis King in the final and their bowling by Joel Garner’s devastating spell that clinched their second successive World Cup. If anyone had told me then that they wouldn’t win the trophy again for at least thirty-two years then I wouldn’t have believed them, but since their scarcely credible defeat in the 1983 final they have rarely challenged, the 1996 semi-final, which they should have won, being the exception to the rule.
The green shoots of recovery have been more apparent of late, but they are unfortunate to find themselves in a tough group. They are not short of talent but they, like so many other sides in the tournament, lack consistency. Chris Gayle can be a force of nature at the top of the innings, but he is just as capable of getting out to an indifferent shot. The conditions, however, should suit him. Shiv Chanderpaul has had an extraordinary career and can be devastating in limited overs cricket, but it is hard to escape the conclusion that his best days are behind him. Ramnaresh Sarwan has undoubted skill, and is another who may enjoy the conditions, but he, too, struggles for consistency. Adrian Barath and Darren Bravo are both highly promising but, at the moment, no more than that. This could be their chance to shine. Kieron Pollard can hit the ball freakish distances and can be devastating if he comes in with an established platform, but he isn’t well suited to coming in at 100-5 and manages to find some unusual ways of getting out.
It is, however, difficult to see where the wickets are going to come from. Kemar Roach is exciting, but the pace attack otherwise looks rather pedestrian, especially with the recent decline in Dwayne Bravo’s form. As for the spinners, Sulieman Benn and Nikita Miller present different challenges and can both be very handy, while Chris Gayle’s languid off spin could also play an important role. They will, however, mostly be looking to contain rather than attack.
Much will depend on the mindset, but they could be the big name casualties of the first round. I hope that I’m wrong, but this could yet be a low point in the chequered recent history of West Indian cricket.
Much depends on: Dwayne Bravo. He hasn’t been setting the world alight of late but there’s no doubting his talent.
Verdict: First round
No comments:
Post a Comment