Too many complaints have been coming from players in the West Indies squad about the manner in which Head Coach Ottis Gibson communicates and directs the coaching sessions.
Every player has a unique style in batting or bowling and when flaws are observed, the head coach should hold a meeting with the individual and advise the player of his findings. Such a meeting between coach and player should help the professional relationship remains smooth. The head coach must create a comfort zone for all players to have a civil conversation with him.
Bravo And Edwards Dropped From Windies
Darren Bravo and Kirk Edwards were not included in the West Indies squad of 13 that were named by the selectors for the first Test match against New Zealand at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua.
Both Bravo and Edwards did not bat well in England and it appears that the West Indies selectors are looking elswhere.
Kieron Powell has shown his talent and he has a stubborn stature. He seems to be learning from each game. More than likely, he will fill the number three batting spot since Chris Gayle and Adrian Barath have returned to the team.
Darren Bravo Will Be Back With Flying Colors
Bravo will be back in the West Indies squad after he accomplishes some changes to his batting techniques. He is a fine player but he has lapses in his batting. Young players always go through a bad patch and that is time for them to do their research and return stronger and better. Some areas that Bravo have to work on are shot selection and better movement of his feet.
As a left-hander coming up against spin bowling, foot movement is essential. Brian Lara was very successful against spinners. One of the reasons why he did well was because of his agile approach. Lara was not only aggressive against bowlers but he settled in before starting his swashbuckling.
Huge Task For Kieron Powell
Batting at number three for the West Indies is a challenge for any batsman, particularly in Test cricket, which is the longer version of the game. The top order has experienced players so Powell will be guided well. Gayle is back, Chanderpaul is in the squad, Marlon Samuels is in good form and the West Indies team seems to have been making some good strides. In the event that Powell can blossom with runs, the West Indies would have a major problem solved with the number three spot.
Specialist Bowlers
The hard work will be on Ravi Rampaul, Sunil Narine and Kemar Roach for they are the specialist bowlers in the squad. Narsingh Deonarine bowls some tidy left-arm stuff and he picks up wickets. Marlon Samuels and Darren Sammy can bowl as well but in a Test match Samuels and Deonarine must not be burdened with too much bowling. In the event Jino Best is not included in the team, the West Indies will again be with one specialist bowler short. Captain Darren Sammy must remember that Gayle is a useful bowler but again he must not be overused.
Windies Test Chances
There should be no room for complacency when the Digicel Test Series begin. Windies players must not be complacent and the focus must be to win and win big. New Zealand is not a top-ranking Test team so the West Indies must be prepared to overtake the black caps in the ICC standings.
Windies Middle Order Must Show Progress
Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Denesh Ramdin and Narsingh Deonarine are respectively at five, six and seven supposedly in the batting order and it is very important that these players create partnerships. Wicket keeper batsman Denesh Ramdin must be on top of his game and Narsingh Deonarine’s role is to anchor the middle order in Test matches. The West Indies must make increasing strides and aim to topple the top teams in the ICC.
