I have been so disappointed with the performance of the WI cricketers these past few years, that the selection of the one-day team for the World Cup next month fails to raise the blood pressure. I am still confused though with the selection of C Baugh as the wicket-keeper over D Ramdin, as I cannot see him as any better a batsman, and he is definitely not as efficient with his glove work. I hold the view that a wicket-keeper is a specialist position firstly. If he happens to be a good batsman, that is a bonus, but the runs saved by good wicket-keeping will always compensate for the runs not scored by an efficient wicket-keeper.
Where have our fast bowlers gone? This crop of quickies lacks penetration, accuracy, direction, and gives away too many extras. The bowlers are scrawny in size and don't seem very strong or really fit. Don't they train in the gym? General fitness of the players on the whole leaves much to be desired (as soon as they chase a ball to the boundary they pull a muscle). The fielding is no longer sharp and concentration is an unknown factor when batting, with shot selection showing lack of much thought, if any. Overall they do not inspire anyone with confidence, sad to say. However, I wish them well and will still be following their progress while suffering inwardly.
JS Kelsick
St Ann's