I suppose that it is only natural for those experts who have been following closely on the performances of our players, whether it be Test matches, One Day International (ODI) or Twenty20 (T20) cricket activity be interested in the selection of the West Indies team for the Cricket World Cup which starts next month end.
Because of the fact that there has been no organised formula regarding the ability of the talent of players in specific forms of the game, the task of selection becomes difficult and speculative. Hence the reason why there is criticism from many of the scribes, who themselves may be choosing players based upon the game formulas at which they have excelled.
Honestly, I believe that the named team could be justified in their choice of players, if only because the structural assessment of players had not previously been exercised by those who were in charge.
There are obviously some choices because of their versatility and consistency at all levels. Jason Holder is one of them as he has demonstrated competence with the ball, bat and leadership. Shai Hope, Darren Bravo, Kemar Roach, Sheldon Cottrell and Ashley Nurse have all done reasonably well.
However, the criticism which has been heard about the omissions and selection in other cases will be debatable. Few will have challenged the choice of Andre Russell because of his all-round success, although he has not played ODI for a year. I do not recall tournaments when he failed to achieve his goals in every department of any game.
Evin Lewis’ selection is justified, simply because, this orthodox left-hander has also been fairly successful in his approach. Admittedly, his adjustment from conventional cricket to T20 brought out the type of game which is needed. However, he has found difficulty in readjusting back to his fluent strokeplay.
Shimron Hetmeyer has brought crowds to their feet with his powerful hitting. He has excellent vision and a rhythmic bat swing. In recent the Indian Premier League (IPL), he failed to show what he had previously done but his youth plus his potential is worth his choice.
Shannon Gabriel, Oshane Thomas and Russell, add to the recognised quickies are more than enough, especially Nurse will find some satisfaction with his orthodox good length off spinners. Carlos Braithwaite's selection should not have been on the sheet because there are sufficient bowlers of his type but more competent in their overall ability.
About Chris Gayle, few will have expected non-selection for the heavy-hitter and his world records. However, unlike T20 cricket, his responsibility to play innings rather than attempt to strike every ball out of the ground will be faced with the swinging ball in the early part of the English summer, where the ball moves around effectively. He will also be asked to join the bunch of excellent fielders in his team, by the athleticism which is needed. I do recall, his injury problems in recent times, which deprive him of being the manner in which he was accustomed to performing.
Finally, I have not seen enough of Fabien Allen and while I am a big fan of Kieron Pollard as an all-round cricketer and a true team player, the selectors may wish to analyse that he has not been highly successful in the ODI game in recent times. I don’t agree but that is the time when the guessing game of selection is difficult to make objective decisions.
Sunil Narine has been left out because of injury. Very unfortunate, because he will have been a key factor in the bowling department.