Where do you start when it comes to the decline of the West Indies, especially in the longest format? This is a never-ending question for which there is no formulaic answer. Even if you excavate enough information, it is difficult to decode one definite answer. Having said that, from a cricketing perspective, it was heartening to see the West Indies put on a spirited display in the second and final Test against India after being asked to follow on.
The essence of West Indies’ performances in recent times goes beyond the hundreds compiled by Shai Hope and John Campbell, alongside the gritty stand for the last-wicket in the New Delhi Test. Just pore through the records of West Indies over the last 18-20 months, and you will observe that they did win a Test each in Australia and Pakistan. That too with a slew of batters who average in the 20s. Remember, West Indies went through a barren period of 27 and 34 years as far as not winning a Test in Australia and Pakistan is concerned.
On paper, if everyone is fit and playing, West Indies also have a fine bowling line-up. Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican make up for a good attack. Unfortunately, Shamar and Alzarri had to miss out on the India series due to injuries, while the Windies think-tank curiously rested Motie for future white-ball assignments. The left-arm spinner can extract turn at pace, alongside using the slider. The sort of skills that could have come in handy in Indian conditions.
From the above-mentioned lines, it can be seen that everything about the long-lost empire isn’t in ruins. But they still have to build a Test batting unit that is underpinned by enough class. Here, the West Indies have a major problem. In a bygone era, Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer could have ended up as decent-to-good Test batters.
However, in modern times, when T20 cricket is clearly the go-to format for numerous players, the aforesaid batting duo would opt for franchise-based leagues. The West Indies cricket board also doesn’t have the required finances to match franchise-league contracts, especially the Indian Premier League. In that context, it is difficult to expect shot-makers like Pooran and Hetmyer to work on their front foot defence, instead of searching for greener pastures.
West Indies are also grappling with lack of infrastructure. They perhaps don’t have enough funds to invest in cricketing systems in order to groom young talent.
“I think the systems in the Caribbean are a bit poor in terms of training facilities and stuff,” Roston Chase, the West Indies skipper said after the first Test versus India. “I am not using that as an excuse or something to hide behind for poor performances that we’ve been putting out lately. I still think that the onus is on the players to find some way to churn up runs and wickets and stuff.
“But what I would say is yes, there is obviously a struggle in the Caribbean for finances. So whatever help we can get, if they are planning to get the help, I hope that we do get it so that we could strengthen the infrastructure for cricket,” he added.
Recently, the West Indies board did set-up a committee, which includes greats like Brian Lara and Clive Lloyd, in order to uplift their standards. In a board’s statement, the following points were identified as the major challenges facing the West Indies.
“Declining quality of regional tournaments
Technical, tactical, and mental skills deficiencies
Underperforming franchise system
Gaps in infrastructure and facilities
Lack of specialist coaching support
Limited ICC revenue share and financial constraints
Fragmented player development pathways
Inadequate fitness and conditioning standards.”
Just as a sports aficionado, one would also delve upon some of the squares and outfields prevailing in the West Indies- They look quite old and some of them probably need to be relaid.
To start with, turgid decks with variable bounce won’t exactly help in producing quality batters. The likes of Alick Athanaze, Jewel Andrew, Kaecy Carty, Kirk McKenzie and Kevin Wickham do possess some raw materials. But those raw materials are yet to be converted into an assembly line of finished products.
That is in brief about looking at West Indies cricket on a macro-level. But peel through the information on a micro-level and it is quite evident that the current set of West Indies’ Test players don’t seem to lack the passion for the longest format. But there are certain gaps to be filled that could help in upskilling and upgrading the standards of West Indies.
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