What a wonderful weekend it has been for West Indies cricket! First, the women secured their qualification for the 2022 World Cup. Then, to double the enjoyment, the men created history by securing a 1-0 series victory against England to become the first-ever holders of the newly minted Richards–Botham Trophy. …
Read More »McWatt and ‘Reds’: Shake up WI white ball team, and Campbell over Solozano is a gamble
“[…] Taken altogether the overall series results as well as the unsatisfactory player performances [against India] must now surely raise further questions about the efficiency of the Phil Simmons-led West Indies coaching staff. “[…] As to the actual squad chosen for the first Test, we have absolutely no issues with …
Read More »McWatt and ‘Reds’: Haynes, Sarwan inclusion a boost, but fitness issues, coaching doubts linger
“[…] The Sir Desmond Haynes-led panel should, as its very first order of business, announce the implementation of a new selection-related fitness policy. “Our suggested policy would require all CWI contracted players as well as those others who are in contention for immediate selection on West Indies teams to be …
Read More »Media Monitor: Why CWI Media’s Covid-enforced changes would not have cramped Cozier’s style
Kraigg Brathwaite embarrassed us all in the second innings of the Second Test in Sri Lanka last month but few seemed to notice. The West Indies Test skipper finished with 1/11 in his five overs after ending a troublesome 51-run sixth wicket partnership by having Ramesh Mendis caught by Kemar …
Read More »McWatt and ‘Reds’: Hayley, Seales and Brathwaite shine in 2021, but results, fitness and selections stink
“[…] Since making his debut on 10 June against South Africa, 20-year-old Jayden Seales has captured 16 wickets in just four Tests, while demonstrating the pace and accuracy that are the hallmarks of all great fast bowlers. “[…] However, during 2021, the West Indies’ […] final win/loss ratio was a …
Read More »Farewell Harper, welcome Sherfane! McWatt and ‘Reds’ suggest 15 WI players to new CWI selectors
“[…] Assuming everyone is fully fit and in sufficiently good form, if the 2022 World Cup 15-member squad were to be picked today, there would be at least eight players who would be considered by most to be automatic selections. “Discounting Kieron Pollard’s participation in any possible manner, the referenced …
Read More »Hosein, Hope and Greaves test positive for virus, Pakistan tour in danger as WI cases add up
Cricket West Indies (CWI) will decide in a few hours if the regional outfit can complete its white-ball tour of Pakistan, after three more players and two officials tested positive for Covid-19. Key spinner Akeal Hosein, wicketkeeper/batsman Shai Hope and allrounder Justin Greaves all tested positive for the novel coronavirus …
Read More »Brathwaite: We’re up for the challenge and know how to play in Bangladesh!
Newly appointed West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite insisted that his team are flying to Bangladesh in confident spirits, despite missing a dozen senior players including regular captain Jason Holder. The West Indies departed from Barbados in two tranches on Thursday and Friday night. All squad members returned two negative Covid-19 PCR tests, as …
Read More »Best: WI cyar find a West Indian batting coach? Ting really so bad in cricket?
Since taking over the Cricket West Indies reins last March, new boss Ricky Skerritt has added real value to the West Indies brand. So far, he has talked good West Indies talk and walked the West Indies walk. However, the long-hoped-for turnaround remains elusive—and I am not merely talking about …
Read More »Now that WI have a sports psychologist, are CWI people playing mind games?
About a dozen runs and Shivnarine Chanderpaul. In Monday’s Express, Fazeer Mohammed raised the very pertinent question of who is calling the selection shots. Why is the 39-year-old Chris Gayle, he asks—who unretired towards the end of the 2019 World Cup—included in an ODI squad which, according to the coach, …
Read More »W/Cup addict comments: How Holder’s howler compares with Kohli’s handling of his bowlers
Assistant coaches are the wretched of the earth; they may be called assistants but they offer little real help. Roddy Estwick is the assistant coach of the West Indies cricket team. According to Estwick, the West Indies’ 15-run defeat by Australia in last Friday’s crucial fixture, had “nothing to do …
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