It is important that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) repairs its image with the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) and the main participants of West Indies cricket, the cricketers themselves.
For too long, the WICB has been dragging along a sour relationship with the WIPA and its cricketers and that has caused a damaging effect on the region’s cricket. Some of the West Indies cricketers suffered in their attempt to prolong and enhance their careers because of not being properly represented.
Barbados’ left-arm medium pacer Pedro Collins should have received a valid contract from the WICB. Jamaica’s fast bowler Jerome Taylor, a valuable hard working cricketer who contributed significantly to West Indies cricket, no longer plays for the West Indies. Meaningful dialogue is necessary to ensure that both parties are properly heard and that any actions taken are justified.
Building The Test Team Is Essential
Inspite the popularity of the Twenty20 cricket game, Test cricket, which is scheduled for five days, remains the respected format to display the full qualities of a player. Test cricket fully puts a player in a category in which that player can be analyzed fully. It is much easier for the West Indies to find a quality One-Day International team than a Test team.
The dominance of Twenty20 and One-Day cricket competitions have caused an international crisis with teams struggling to attract players to focus more on Test cricket.
The West Indies have capable players in which they have invested over the years. These players must not be disregarded and thrown out of the team merely because of a few failures. Younger players will come into the team and suffer failures also. It is hoped that when players fail they would learn from their errors.
Presently, the West Indies have players that can compete and gain victories. The return of Chris Gayle and Sunil Narine will boost the team greatly. Wicket keeper batsman Denesh Ramdin has to come forward and score heavily in order to assist the team in scoring huge totals.
Shame Dowrich
Off To England
Barbados wicket keeper batsman 20-year-old Shane Dowrich has received a contract from the Lancashire Cricket Board to play for the first division side Sefton Park Cricket Club.
Dowrich who received the prestigious Lord Gavron Award in 2010 has also represented Barbados at the junior and senior levels. He represented the West Indies at the under 19 level and he is a graduate of the Sagicor West Indies High Performance Centre.
He is a splendid wicket keeper batsman and within two years, he will be the West Indies senior team wicket keeper batsman. This exposure in England playing first division cricket should enhance his abilities. His wicket keeping skills are exceptional.
