The multiple problems surrounding West Indies cricketers and their managing board are too many for a quick fix. The critical areas of these problems must be addressed in the correct manner for the long term benefit of the players and West Indies cricket as a whole.
The performances by the West Indies team during the Pakistan and India visits to the Caribbean were very poor. This was not because of bad preparation but the unorthodox methods introduced by the stalwarts in the selection committee and by some members of the West Indies Cricket Board.
Sulieman Benn
Must Return
Barbados left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn was severely punished for his indiscipline during the last World Cup. He did not participate in the Pakistan and India Series. Benn has the ability to be a wicket taker but he has to modify his behavior on and off the field.
Benn’s left arm bowling on many occasions have shown to be very credible and with Devendra Bishoo showing off good signals, the West Indies should not have a problem with their spinners producing.
W.I. Batting Has Too Many Gaps
The opening positions for the West Indies seem to be one of conjecture. Chris Gayle and Devon Smith may not return and this leaves young Adrian Barath at the helm as the top opener.
Barath is a fine player who should be looked at seriously for he already has a Test century and a one-day international. It is unfortunate that so early in his senior career he has to bat in the middle without a senior opening partner.
He is a gusty player and it is hoped that he and Chris Edwards who scored a century on debut against India can hold in Test matches and give West Indies some good starts. Both of these players are young and if they can learn quickly and play their roles definitively, then the West Indies batting will close one important gap.
Huge Roles To Play
Darren Bravo and Marlon Samuels may be the batsmen to carry the West Indies front line glories. Both players have great potential and Samuels being the senior, has shown his intentions against India with some steady batting.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul will have to be chosen for at least another two years in Test cricket because Ramneresh Sarwan has shown a disinterest and another senior player must remain in the squad. Wicket keeper Carlton Baugh still has much more to offer as a batsman in assisting the team to competitive totals.
Captaincy Is Still
An Issue
Whether it is politics or sports, leadership is always a top concern among people. Who is in charge? Darren Sammy happens to be the West Indies captain and I often wonder what is the criteria to become a West Indies captain? Great speaker? Very good answering questions from reporters or may be just being a nice guy.
How a captain gets along with the team and the players respect for the captain are important factors in the success of the team. I will make this crystal clear to the W.I.C.B. and its selectors, that a player must be qualified in making the final 11 before even being considered for the position of captain or vice captain.
