It is quite fitting for the West Indies selectors to include four pacers for the first Test match starting June 3 against Australia at Windsor Park in Dominica. West Indies selectors should take this opportunity and put on show four fast bowlers and assess their performances playing in one team.
Jerome Taylor has been in fine form, Jason Holder is developing quickly with the ball, and Shannon Gabriel is hostile and very quick but he has to work much more in getting batsmen to make mistakes.
Kemar Roach has to regain his form. He has been bowling very slow and without any threat to batsmen. Hopefully, he can regain his rhythm in these two Test matches.
Leg spinner Veera Sammy Permaul unfortunately will not be in the final 11 if four fast bowlers are included. Knowing the West Indies selectors, they are certain to play Veera Sammy Permaul and Shane Dowrich, the wicket keeper batsman from Barbados, may have his opportunity in the final 11 based on his batting strength.
YOUNG OPENERS HAVE GREAT CHALLENGES
I am quite optimistic that Kraigg Braithwaite and Shai Hope will battle the storm and give the West Indies some good starts. This experience against the Australian fast bowlers should be a learning one as their careers progress.
Both Kraigg Braithwaite and Shai Hope certainly seem to be the future, with a long career and their development may determine if the West Indies gain success or not. Going up against the lifting deliveries and be knowledgeable on how to avoid edging in the slips will be crucial for the two openers.
NOTE: West Indies are number eight in Test matches according to the ICC standings while in One-day internationals, they are at number seven and in the Twenty20 at number four.
