Our Caribbean cricket woes continue to make headlines with a variety of explanations and theories ranging from lack of systems, insularity, inefficient West Indies Cricket Board, aborted tours, etc. Many respected pundits, private citizens and former players have joined the fray and the recriminations have been many. In recent weeks, there was a blast from the revered Master Blaster Sir Vivian Richards known for two things – the ability to handle the fastest bowlers in the world without a helmet or chest padding, and for an inclination to being outspoken to the point of going into the press box to deliver his complaints. In his latest delivery, Sir Vivian is contending that the WI players in his time took pride in playing for country, whereas today’s do not, hence their lack of application to buckling down when the going gets tough. Viv also felt that our regional head of selectors, Clive Lloyd, should be speaking out about some of the transgressions of the WICB.
Viv’s comment that today’s players don’t “play for country” is, of course, not new.