Dear Editor,
It is very hard to find words to describe the West Indies team’s performance Down Under; ‘pathetic’ might describe the sad display of a team that once dominated the world of cricket. Of course, we have to come to grips with the fact that times have changed, and that even cricket has evolved into a different attraction to spectators. Whatever the changes, Test cricket remains supreme against the other formats ‒ fifty overs and T/20 ‒ except where economics is concerned; this has a magnetic appeal for international cricketers.
The Caribbean is suffering from the unavailability of their cream of the crop ‒ not that I believe the results would have been different, but at least with, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Simmons and Ravi Rampaul the side would have been more competitive.
The experts are at their wits end to find a solution to this continued cricketing debacle, this disgraceful showing especially overseas where we were beaten by all and sundry except Bangladesh, and even they gave us a run for our victory at times.
It has been reported that there are a number of undisciplined players; if the reports are accurate then those players must be investigated and if found guilty of the mentioned offences be sent back to the Caribbean forthwith pending further hearings. It is time the administrators dealt with this scourge that has been infecting our cricket for some time.
Beaten inside three days by a voluptuous margin of 213 runs could do even more damage to this youthful team struggling to come grips with this level of cricket, especially after being tormented by a partnership of over 400 runs between Voges and Marsh. The stand-outs though, are Darren Bravo, Kragg Braithwaite and Jomel Warrican; otherwise all seem to be outliers. I think the West Indies cricket administration should strongly consider taking a sabbatical from Test cricket so as to come up with a comprehensive plan to put Caribbean cricket back at the top.
Yours faithfully,
Ivan John
