West Indies Test Captain Denesh Ramdin is not a decisive and skillfull leader. He falls short on taking important actions when they are needed. Apart from the lousy batting display from the West Indies, the captaincy was so bad in the first Test match in Dominica that it did not help the team.
Ramdin failed to attack the Australian batsmen after having them 126 for 6 with their top six batsmen back in the dressing room including Captain Michael Clarke, David Warner and Steve Smith. Captaincy is so essential at this crucial time of the game and Ramdin proved ineffective by failing to put his bowlers into action when neded.
Devendra Bishoo was very effective but the other bowlers were not effective and the bowlers were not used in a penetrative mode. Placement of fielders were very poor by Ramdin. Australia scored 192 runs during their last four wickets with debutant middle order batsman AC Voges scoring 130 not out. Insufficient pressure was placed on the Australian batsmen.
WINDIES BATSMEN ARE NOT UP TO TASK
Darren Bravo, Ramdin and opener Kraigg Braithwaite have to concentrate more and avoid getting dismissed so easily. Bravo and Ramdin are senior players and they should be able to adapt quickly and easily to the changing conditions. Bravo seems to be hesitant when going for his strokes.
Jermaine Brackwood ought to curb his desperate aggression and bat much more intelligently. He has tremendous experience batting long sessions. Since he scored his first Test century against England in Antigua, he has been over aggressive at the wicket.
Australian bowlers are doing a clever job against the West Indies.
GAYLE’S ABSENCE
West Indies opening batsman Chris Gayle has not participated in three consecutive Test matches and this has caused somewhat of a setback to the performance of the West Indies team. His presence at the wicket is always challenging to any opposition. It is important for Gayle to decide if he intends to play Test cricket. It will take some time for the young openers to establish themselves. There is a lack of consistency with the West Indies team and this places a heavy burden on Head Coach Phil Simmons.
