Thanks largely to a double century by Kyle Mayers, the West Indies second string came from behind to register a stunning three-wicket win over hosts Bangladesh in the First Test at Chattogram on Sunday. It was hardly the result many had expected at the end of Day Four yesterday when …
Read More »Open letter to Kieron Pollard: Ask not what WI can do for you…
Dear Kieron, Wherever you happen to be in the world, you would not have failed to watch the First Test action between Kraigg Brathwaite’s side and Bangladesh in Chattogram; my instincts tell me that. And that, along with so many of us, you steupsed loudly after Day Three when West …
Read More »CWI signs UK broadcast agreement with BT Sport for all West Indies matches in the Caribbean
Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced a five-year deal with BT Sport for the exclusive live coverage in the UK of all West Indies international home matches played in the Caribbean. The agreement includes all West Indies Men’s and Women’s home internationals. CWI president Ricky Skerritt said: “Our tour to England …
Read More »Stern first test for second-string; what will Brathwaite’s young West Indians be thinking?
Ardent WI cricket fans said a prayer. And continue to pray. Curtly Ambrose made an appeal. Sir Clive Lloyd wrote a letter. Coach Phil Simmons issued a challenge. But the biggest impact on the performance of Kraigg Brathwaite’s second-string unit in Bangladesh over the next couple of weeks is likely …
Read More »Media Monitor: Kalicharan launches attack on WI elite, Skerritt called to defend innocents
In all my years of observing and commenting on West Indies cricket, I have tended to agree rather than disagree with public positions espoused by Dr Noel Kalicharan. Or Ricky Skerritt. But I guess there’s a first time for everything. That’s progress! Progress comes in various forms. For more than …
Read More »CWI announces five year ESPN+ deal, as West Indies games head to US viewers
Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Ricky Skerritt announced a five year deal today with ESPN+ that will take West Indies cricket to ‘millions of households and viewers across the United States’ through the sports network’s streaming service. The ESPN+ partnership, which starts with the all-format Sri Lanka cricket tour of …
Read More »Best: Whether with Pollard or Holder, WI spinning top in mud without CWI reform
For 32 years since Viv Richards’ West Indies beat Australia by nine wickets at the Gabba, no other country successfully breached that fortress. Of the 31 matches played there between that defeat and this year, the home side had drawn seven and won 24. But without its appointed captain and …
Read More »WI look past Bangladesh ODIs, as hosts sweep Mohammed’s men out of their way
In today’s Third ODI, West Indies won the toss, the only outcome that was not seemingly pre-ordained. They opted not to bat first; cynics who watched all three games might be tempted to omit the last word. When they did eventually take their turn at the crease in Chattogram, halfway …
Read More »Waiting for Wehby action, WI wonders about Pollard’s promotion and the Peter Principle
It’s enough to wipe the smile off your face. Or make you disrespect anyone else who is within earshot. On the radio on Friday morning, the announcer broke the news this way: “As expected, Bangladesh defeated the West Indies by seven wickets in the second ODI earlier today.” That she …
Read More »Walsh Jr ruled out of ODI series, after positive Covid-19 test in Dhaka
The West Indies touring squad to Bangladesh was dealt another blow today as leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr was ruled out for the upcoming three match ODI series, after testing positive for Covid-19. Walsh, an Antiguan leg-spinner, flew to Dhaka last week after two negative PCR tests in the Caribbean. He …
Read More »Best: Long WI cricket history, short memories, success, succession and the easy solution illusion
“At a time when aggressive, proactive international captaincy is in short supply,” writes Ian Chappell, in discussing Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership in the absence of Virat Kohli, “India are fortunate to have two leaders who both understand the value of taking wickets over containing the opposition.” At a time when aggressive, …
Read More »Best: WI-Bangladesh reality check; can Sir Clive’s statement stand serious scrutiny?
Under normal circumstances, you’d struggle to be well represented if 12 of your top players suddenly announced that they were unavailable for an imminent tour. But with the world in the throes of a global pandemic for the last year, January/February 2021 is anything but normal. So, unsurprisingly, Sir Clive …
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