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| Thursday, 2 September 2004 |
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Windies could come good by Elmo Rodrigopulle The West Indies are at the moment in the quicksand of the world cricket. However, they have it in them to come good and challenge the best in the ICC Champion Trophy which begins in England on September 10. The Caribbean cricketers led by Brian Lara play their first match against Bangladesh on the 15th at the Rose Bowl. Windies cricket is at the moment going through a very worrying period losing matches with monotonous regularity. It is sad when one considers the glory that was their cricket in the 70s and 80s when greats such as Clive Lloyd and Sir Vivian Richards led them. It is not that the Caribbean cricketers are lacking in talent, it is there in plenty. What is sadly lacking is consistency. Skipper Lara has to show the way, and for their bad luck he is having a poor run with the bat. Openers Chris Gayle and Sylvester Joseph will have to see their side to a breezy start, so that batsmen of the calibre of Lara, Chanderpaul, Dwane Bravo, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Richardo Powell can consolidate and give their bowlers enough runs to bowl at. The experienced Mervyn Dillion will steer the pace attack. If Corey Colymore gives Dillion good support, they can worry the opposing batsmen. Dwane Bravo too is a teasing medium pacer. Spin will come from Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan. The fielding will have to show improvement. The Windies authorities have put the players in a one week camp to help them sharpen their game. Zimbabwe Sad is the best way to describe the calamity that has struck the game in Zimland. They were going well and showing signs of challenging the best in the world. Suddenly their cricket ran into a hurricane in the form of disagreements between the 'white' cricketers and the Zim Union and that led to the sad predicament that their cricket is now stuck in. There did not seem to be any give and take between the two parties and it has led to this sad impasse. Led by the effervescent wicket keeper Tatenda Taibu, they will endeavour to give the other teams in their group a good game. If they can rise to the occasion, then who knows they can cause an upset or two. Dion Ebrahim and Brendon Taylor will face the new ball with the skipper Taibu, Vermeulen, Maregwede, Sibanda and Matsikenyeri to prop the batting. The only bowler who can worry the opposing batsmen is Douglas Hondo. Reports reaching us have it that former West Indian opener Phil Simmons is putting them through a strenuous training session. If they follow his instructions, get their game together then they should show up well. They make their debut against England in Edgbaston on the opening day, September 10. |
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