The West Indies cricket team under its new coach will have to take positive steps towards improving its batting performance. At the moment the team lacks international commitment and the high batting standards that go parallel with the game. The West Indies lost to New Zealand, which merely ranked number eight in Test cricket, is a disgrace. Too many players have not shown that commitment in Tests and One-day International and that has been the downfall of West Indies cricket. This has been compounded by at one stage and incompetent captain, unqualified selectors and too much interest in the Twenty20 format of the game.
Combination of problems lead to failures
The West Indies cricket team now has a new captain for Test cricket, a new chief of selectors, a new One-Day International captain and apparently another new plan by the West Indies Cricket Board. At this stage, the players must step up and perform credibly with all the resources having been put into the development of the team.
West Indies batsmen must develop strategies to combat constant mistakes. Kirk Edwards was caught in the slips three times against New Zealand because of his lack of foot movement — a front line batsman at that. I would expect that when players have travelled all over the world, played under different conditions and faced the best of bowlers’ pace and spin that they have learnt sufficient to build their game and be successful. Much more should be expected particularly from the West Indies batsmen. The head coach must work harder to remedy the batting flaws.
India and South Africa tours will be tough
The West Indies team faces some uphill tasks going to India and South Africa. Both teams play very well on home turf. India will be looking to rebound after a rough tour of England. The West Indies team has not been winning tours and captain Denesh Ramdin will want to change that. Young Ashley Nurse from Barbados should be a good choice to tour India.
It appears that Marlon Samuels has been ignored by the selectors and this seems continuous so it would be correct to bring in an allrounder to fit in. Samuels was an experienced player and if he will be replaced, a player with great potential must be chosen. West Indies players must approach their game much more seriously and work harder.
