By Joseph `Reds’ Perreira
Commentator
As I drove away from the Daren Sammy ground on Monday, June 21, after the defeat by South Africa in the second test, I was conscious of having never seen West Indian batsmen so vulnerable to genuine fast, short-pitched bowling.
In the coming month coach Phil Simmons will no doubt have his hands full with the white ball 20/20 matches against South Africa and later Australia, so the obvious question being asked in the Caribbean is what preparations will be put in place for the test squad by Simmons himself, Roger Harper, Chief Selector and Director of Coaching, Jimmy Adams.
The squad that left St. Lucia cannot be allowed to fend for themselves in their respective countries. Adams and Harper must consider a special camp for the players to restore confidence and improve technique. The experience and advice of former West Indies players like Desmond Haynes, Shiv Chanderpaul, Courtney Walsh, Gus Logie, and Wavell Hinds could be used in the interim to work with the squad either at Kensington Oval or Sabina Park in preparation for the Pakistan Test starting August 16th at Sabina.
We can draw from the example of Australia, where Coach Justin Langer has recruited former Australian players, Rickey Ponting, Steve Waugh and others to assist him. Such a plan needs to be requested of Cricket West Indies immediately for the relevant preparations to be put in place. A camp of this kind is necessary for the players to regain confidence and improve technical skills. Time is not on the players’ side and such a request must receive the urgent attention of Cricket West Indies or we will be facing another series defeat in Jamaica.
The West Indies bowling against South Africa showed it can be competitive. Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kyle Mayers and Jason Holder along with Roston Chase can be backed up by either Alzarri Joseph, Chemar Holder or Keon Harding replacing the injured Shannon Gabriel. There must be changes in the batting order and Kraigg Brathwaite and Kieran Powell are expected to open. Roston Chase at 3, all-rounder Jason Holder at 4, then Jermaine Blackwood at 5. Because of the shattered confidence of Joshua DaSilva, Shai Hope will take the gloves as wicket keeper, batting at number 6, using Mayers at number 7 to play the role that Colin Grandholme, of New Zealand, does so well for them.
Therefore, my possible line up will be Brathwaite, Powell, Chase, Holder, Blackwood, Hope, Mayers, Roach, Joseph, Seales and Shemar Holder.
Inviting Haynes, Walsh, Chanderpaul and Logie will be seen as a proactive move by Adams, Harper and Cricket West Indies as we can expect more of the short hostile attack from the Pakistan bowlers who were able to view it all since we played so ineptly against the South African quicks. It is time for some smart, quick decisions by Cricket West Indies towards restoring a higher level of match performance.
Note: Bonner’s selection is subject to his recovery from the concussion incident in St. Lucia.
