Latest update February 12th, 2025 8:40 AM
Jun 07, 2024 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom
Kaieteur News – As the West Indies cricket team prepares for its summer tour of England, the selection of the squad has already sparked debate. The batting line-up is notably fragile with only the captain among the top order with substantial experience in international cricket. This vulnerability is likely to be exploited by the seasoned English bowlers, raising concerns about the competitiveness of the West Indies team.
Notably absent from the squad are Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer, two players whose inclusion could have bolstered the team’s prospects. Their inclusion would have lent stability and depth to the batting line-up, something that is woefully missing. But this depends on their availability to tour. With the heavy workload from involvement in the many T 20 franchises, several contracted T 20 players are not eager to extend themselves and their fitness towards playing Test and One-Day internationals.
Reflecting on the heydays of West Indies cricket, one can’t help but wonder if the current selection strategy needs revisiting, especially with the talented pool of T20 players who, if available, could strengthen the Test and One-Day International (ODI) squads. The current squad’s top-order batting lacks depth and experience, a glaring weakness for Test matches. The captain, undoubtedly experienced, should not be expected to shoulder such a heavy entire burden of an inexperienced batting line-up.
Historically, West Indies cricket thrived when both their batting and bowling -line-ups were fortresses, comprising players who could withstand and counter the best bowling attacks. Today, the scenario is markedly different, with frequent collapses and an over-reliance on a few key players. Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer, both possessing the talent and temperament for the longer formats, are notable omissions. Hope, with his classical technique and composure, has shown flashes of brilliance in both Tests and ODIs. His 2017 heroics at Headingley, where he scored centuries in both innings, exemplify his capability to anchor the innings and build substantial scores against formidable bowling attacks. Hetmyer, on the other hand, brings an aggressive flair and the ability to shift gears, essential traits for turning the game in favour of his team.
These players not only add depth but also bring a sense of familiarity with English conditions, which is crucial for success on such tours. But of course, it needs to be asked whether both were available for selection. The bowling line-up is equally weak. Our seamers are likely to struggle in England without the support of a bowler who can swing the ball. English conditions are conducive to swing bowling, an area in which West Indies is lacking. The West Indies team urgently needs bowlers adept at both swing and seam bowling, particularly for their tour of England where swing yields better results.
English conditions are notoriously favourable for swing movement, making it essential for visiting teams to possess bowlers who can exploit these characteristics effectively. Without proficient swing and seam bowlers, the West Indies attack risks being outclassed by the English batsmen, who are well-versed in handling their home conditions. Strengthening this aspect of their bowling arsenal could significantly enhance the team’s competitiveness and ability to take wickets consistently in England. The advent of T20 cricket has undeniably transformed the cricketing landscape, introducing a new breed of players adept at explosive batting and innovative bowling. Unfortunately, this evolution has also led to a clear demarcation between players suited for T20s and those for the longer formats. While specialization has its benefits, it also poses a dilemma for teams like the West Indies, where the talent pool needs to be optimized across formats. During the golden era of West Indies cricket, the same set of players often represented the team across all formats. This continuity ensured that the best talents were always on the field, maintaining a high level of performance. The current scenario, with distinct squads for different formats, sometimes leads to underutilization of top talent, at least for the West Indies.
Given the current state of West Indies cricket, it might be prudent for the selectors to consider integrating some of the better T20 players into the Test and ODI squads, provided they are available and willing. The team will be aided by nine support staff, a stark contrast to the days when the manager was the sole support figure. The Board should question the value of such a large support staff. . Opting for 16 players and reducing the support staff could provide greater flexibility and depth in the squad, potentially addressing critical areas like batting and bowling vulnerabilities more effectively.
Feb 12, 2025
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