West Indies defeated New Zealand in the fifth and final One-Day International at Warner Park in St. Kitts by 20 runs. West Indies scored 241 for 9 in 50 overs.
Andre Russell scored 59 not out from 40 balls, Marlon Samuels 43 from 59 balls and Dwayne Bravo 53 from 93 balls. New Zealand scored 221 all out from 50 overs. Sunil Narine bowled splendidly, picking up 5 for 27 from 10 overs and Jino Best 2 for 58 from 10 overs.
West Indies won the Twenty20 series and the One-Day International series. The two Test matches are scheduled for Antigua and Jamaica. The first Test match starts in Antigua on July 25 and the second in Jamaica on Aug. 2.
Windies Must Maintain Their Consistency
When the West Indies begin the Test series against New Zealand it is important that they maintain the same form as in the limited overs and play top class cricket. Adrian Barath, Darren Bravo, Kirk Edwards and pacer Kemar Roach should be back to strengthen the Windies squad.
The bowling department should be strong with Ravi Ram Paul, Kemar Roach, Fidel Edwards and Sunil Narine. The Windies selectors must ensure that three specialist pacers are in the final 11 with Sunil Narine as the specialist spinner. Any gambling with non-specialist bowlers for this occasion of Test cricket may create a difficult situation for the West Indies.
Strong Batting In Place For Test Matches
Chris Gayle, Adrian Barath, Kirk Edwards, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Marlon Samuels are all certain starters for the first Test match starting July 25. The West Indies selectors have to uphold the responsibility of ensuring that the bowling is strong as well. Changes to modify certain situations as in the Twenty20 and One-Day International games may not be appropriate in Test cricket if the objective is to win the game.
Sunil Narine Must Not Be Overburdened
The Windies bowlers must work as a unit and avoid too much pressure on one bowler. Teamwork is vital to a team’s success and all the West Indies bowlers must make a meaningful contribution. It is important that the West Indies builds a Test team that can defeat top teams in the ICC ranking.
Note: Caribbean Life extends sincere thanks to Trini Breakfast Shed for the sponsorship of George Whyte’s coverage of the two Twenty20 matches, West Indies against New Zealand, played in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Trini Breakfast Shed is located at 3209 Church Ave. in Brooklyn between East 32nd Street and New York Avenue. Phone number: 718-282-2646.
