South Africa scored a massive 552 runs for five wickets against the West Indies at the Centurion ground in South Africa. South Africa captain Hashim Amla scored 208 runs, Abde Devilliers 152 and debutant Stiaan van Zyl 101 not out. West Indies should now be aware of their shortcomings and hopefully the WICB can fill the gaps. Marlon Samuels and Jermaine Blackwood should not be doing much bowling in Test cricket.
Strike bowlers needed
West Indies have to start preparing cricketers for Test cricket with the understanding that the five-day format calls for much more concentration. Twenty20 and One-day internationals are different to Test cricket. Twenty wickets must be taken in a Test for victory. West Indies have a good group of fast bowlers but a valuable wicket taking spinner is a necessity. Sulieman Benn bowls very well but he is not taking wickets frequently as needed. In any Test match, the spinner must be a wicket-taker to ease the pressure on the pacers. Samuel Badree must be introduced to Test cricket because he is a wicket taker who is capable of removing top players. Benn’s style of bowling will not gain too many wickets in South Africa.
Jonathan Carter must be drafted into Test cricket
Barbados middle order batsman Jonathan Carter seems to have the skills to perform as a middle order batsman. With some useful scores for Barbados in regional cricket, he showed his potential. It is important that young players show much more dedication to their career as cricketers.
Samuel Badree will be challenging
Badree’s bowling creates the competitiveness which is good for the game. He changes up his line and experiments a lot which cause batsmen to make mistakes. Selectors must identify and select wicket-taking spinners.
