Former chairman of West Indies selectors Joey Carew said that he hoped the embattled regional side would be competitive and begin their march up the International Cricket Council’s Test rankings.
“My wish is that they build a team which is competitive and they climb the ladder to be in a prominent position,” said Carew.
“I also hope that the ills of the past are healed and cured and that the West Indies Cricket Board and the players co-exist in an atmosphere of congeniality and success.”
Leading Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board official Dudnath Ramkessoon said there were positive signs for the side coming out after the last two Test matches against Australia and said he hoped this could be sustained in 2010.
“The last two matches against Australia we saw an entirely different approach and fight from the West Indies players,” said the TTCB’s first vice-president.
“My wish is that they will continue in that same vein in the New Year and more younger players will be given the opportunity to play at the highest level.”
WICB director Baldath Mahabir, one Trinidad’s two representatives on the regional board, said he wished for a more amicable relationship with the WICB and the West Indies Players Association.
“These are the two bodies responsible for the game in the region and it is essential that they work together for the good of cricket and the people of the Caribbean,” Mahabir said.
“On the field, the young cricketers are emerging as world beaters. Their talent and fearless nature should instill some renewed energy into some of the more experienced players.”
West Indies face Australia in a five-match One-Day International series starting February 4 next year and will also clash with Zimbabwe in a similar series starting March 4 in the Caribbean.
The regional side will then contest the World Twenty20 Championship from April 23 to May 9 before doing battle with South Africa in three Tests and five ODIs starting May 22.
