As many in the Caribbean smile again, given the victory of the West Indies over England in the third Test, we need to be cognizant of the need to improve our cricket. We have all witnessed in the past, moments where West Indian cricket has threatened to become consistent, only to have to retreat to our corners, as the team instead goes backwards. Whether it is a mindset or just the shortcomings of a people easy to accumulate short-term gratification, at the expense of longevity, it is an area of concern that needs addressing.
And while there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the appointment and the role of Phil Simmons as coach has made a big difference to the motivation and drive of the players, he will not be able to maintain any sort of momentum with this team, without some necessary changes.
It was also quite refreshing to listen to the pragmatic approach adopted by Simmons in dealing with the many questions after the match. After seven plus years with Ireland, Simmons is well aware of over expectation and underachievement, neither of which he can be accused of during his impressive tenure as cricketing coach in many parts of the world.
So as we examined the glaring deficiencies that exist on this West Indies squad, ahead of a tough encounter against perhaps one of the best cricketing teams in the game at the moment–Australia. It is important to remember that our standard of cricket will have to be much higher just to be competitive, so we need to make adjustments as soon as possible.
An opening partner for the prodigious Kraigg Braithwaite is essential as Devon Smith, despite his regional strength, is over exposed at international cricket and young Shai Hope is not an opening batsman. It is totally unfair to ask him to open at this level since he is not an opener for his native Barbados.
In looking around the Caribbean, there is a dearth of quality openers, which must be a concern.
So let us examine the training squad that was selected for the England series, because there has been no other cricket since then to judge players, other than the England test series, so prospective players for the Australian series that starts on June 3 in Windsor Park, Dominica, followed by the second test at Sabina Park, Jamaica, on June 11, which logically should come from this twenty man squad.
West Indies training squad: Sulieman Benn, Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Carlos Brathwaite, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sheldon Cottrell, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Leon Johnson, Veerasammy Permaul, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Devon Smith, Jerome Taylor.
Guyana's Leon Johnson, who has some experience as an opening batsman must be considered, as his previous test matches, batting at number 3, suggests he has both ability and attitude for the job at hand. Let us hope when placed in a challenging position, he can succeed and grow. All of this assumes that our best opening batsman, Christopher Gayle, is not available.
Also, the number five slot, presently occupied by 40-year-old Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who by the time the first test is played in Dominica will be just two months shy of 41, must be congratulated on his great individual contribution to West Indies cricket but must be asked to retire, or failing that, dropped. This is a professional sport, so the harsh reality is that Chanderpaul is past his best and there are no signs to suggest he can recapture his best in this the twilight of a glowing career.
It is a difficult decision, which may be filled with emotion for many at the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), but unfortunately, the greater interest of a group, has to be placed in front of the self-interest of one. Perhaps a role with the team can be found in the future for Chanderpaul, but at the moment, he is operating like excessive baggage with no value on a flight that will become heavy very soon. The obvious replacement for him would be Hope or even bowling all-rounder Carlos Braithwaite.
In the bowling department, the West Indies need for Devendra Bishoo to recover from an unfortunate injury, as his spin bowling variety may trouble the Australians more than Veerasammy Permaul, and this sort of choice, should enhance the competitiveness of both players.
Kemar Roach needs to refocus, because when he does, he can be a very dangerous fast bowler, and in tandem with Jerome Taylor and Shannon Gabriel, the West Indies appear to be developing some capable fast bowlers who may be able to trouble batsmen early in their innings. If another fast bowler like either Sheldon Cottrell or Miguel Cummins can be positively encouraged, then the pool can be wider and the future probably brighter .
There is also another school of thought that dictates that should Jason Holder's batting continue its dramatic improvement, he can be pushed into the genuine all-rounder role and the West Indies captain, Denesh Ramdin, then can bat at number six, with Holder at position 7. This would allow the West Indies to play an extra bowler and therefore enhance the squad.
Australia will be tough opponents, but this West Indies squad has the look of a team developing belief in themselves and the more they can grow into this role, the better it will be. It may be early days, but even then, it is better to have hope, than to just give up.