I recently went down a linguistic rabbit hole to see if “catastrophic” is a stronger word than “disaster”. Turns out, it is.
When the Titanic—the supposedly “unsinkable” monster of a ship—hit an iceberg in 1912, the world called it a disaster. So, what do we call the final two Test matches against New Zealand? To call it a “disaster” would be an insult to the Titanic. What we witnessed was, quite simply, catastrophic.
A relative recently told me I’m too harsh on the players when I write about the West Indies. They suggested I should be more positive. I’d love to be! I praise them when they soar, but when they plummet, what am I supposed to say? “Hard luck, you almost hit the ball!” or “Better luck next time”, and so on? I really don’t blame the players, as they do not pick themselves.
Still, the West Indies is being humiliated at times with the same players, with a regularity that suggests we’ve forgotten how the game is actually played. It is time to say enough is enough and give some young players an opportunity. If they lose, so be it, but at least you are preparing them for the future.
We are witnessing the “Franchise-ification” of the Test team. I mentioned the name Ackeem Auguste. Jewel Andrew is another one, but they are all playing this T20 format, and it is hurting them and West Indies test cricket. No longer do players and coaches seem to care about technique, good foot movement, playing back and across, etc.
Now, it’s all about reverse sweeps, top edges, making room, getting your front leg out of the way, slog sweeping, and the list goes on. It’s great for getting a contract in T20 leagues across the globe, but not at the Test level. Once again, the players are looking at this from other international players and, at a young age, feel this is the way to go to get into franchise teams, and maybe it is, but at the test level, it is a failure.
The sheer inconsistency of this team would baffle a rocket scientist. How can a team score 457 for 6, with one player making an undefeated double century, and then in the following 2 innings the team scores 205 and 128? It doesn’t stop there; the next innings, they post 420 and follow it up by capitulating for 138 with your best batsman scoring 3 from 78 balls. Unbelievable. Once again, the players are not to blame, as I would think and hope they are giving their best. If the players aren’t entirely to blame, then we have to look at the “King” in the dugout to hold him accountable for some of these catastrophic performances.
In the top levels of football around the world, a manager with King Sammy’s recent record would have been fired before he could finish his post-match interview. If he is removed, would it now mean that the Cricket West Indies (CWI) hierarchy is finally admitting that they made a mistake? You have a better chance of seeing a living T-Rex from Jurassic Park wandering through the Queen’s Park Savannah than seeing CWI admit an error.
In their wisdom, or lack thereof, their experiment with King Sammy being coach and lone selector has failed. The “road to nowhere” has finally arrived, and we’re parked right at the dead end. It is time to get a properly qualified test coach and a team of selectors with a vision for West Indies cricket—not a “King” presiding over a crumbling empire. West Indies cricket will never see that road as we have seen it before, unless changes are made sooner rather than later, but I won’t hold my breath.
The other huge problem is the leadership role. Roston Chase seems like a wonderful individual, a real team player, the kind of guy you’d want to grab a drink with. But he cannot lead a side when he is lacking in confidence and is evidently not motivated. Again, is there a lack of leadership in the region? Why doesn’t the CWI, led by the new Minister of Tourism for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, get together with the respective boards and look for some young players and prepare them for the captaincy of the regional team?
Chase, as lovely as he is, has to go. He is 33 and not performing. Let him go back and play franchise cricket and the white ball format for the regional team, but thank him for his services to the test team. Let the West Indies get some young recruits/leaders and work with them over the next three to five years. If we’re going to lose, let’s at least lose while teaching the next generation how to win.
Today is Christmas Day, and I’ll admit, this column carries a bit more “bah humbug” than I originally intended. I apologise for the lack of Christmas joy, but when the scorecard looks like a crime scene, it’s hard to sing Christmas carols. Hopefully, 2026 brings something brighter. If it makes you feel any better, spare a thought for the English. There is a certain festive irony in watching the Australians take “Bazball” (the supposed saviour of the sport) and bury it in a shallow grave just in time for the holidays. It turns out that ego and aggression are no match for a well-placed yorker and a tad bit of common sense.
To all readers and your families: may your day be filled with peace, your plates be filled with food, and your Christmas (if you celebrate it) be holy and happy.
