From Joseph `Reds’ Perreira in St Lucia
Cricket Commentator
When I read the 20/20 squad announced for St. Lucia, I was disappointed at the omission of Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Roston Chase, and the promising Jaden Seales. I was expecting they would still include Chris Gayle (41), Fidel Edwards (40) and Dwayne Bravo (37+), having selected them for the 20/20 matches in Antigua. I honestly feel they will not be competitive in the World Cup Finals because age and injury takes a toll while with the selection of Andre Russell, who is a potential match winner in any part of the world, his fitness is key. I welcome the fact that Oshane Thomas has been brought back into the fold, but the coaching staff must crack the whip to ensure he gets fit and stays fit, since he is also a potential match winner.
The selectors are once again showing faith in Andre Fletcher but if anyone checks his previous stats, they will see he has not performedfor the West Indies, and this may be his final opportunity. Head selector, Roger Harper, has spoken of the need to develop a leg spinning all-rounder and here’s where Hayden Walsh Jnr., gets another opportunity to display consistency in his length while adding depth to the batting.
But while we are talking about leg-spinners, it is important to note that Kieron Cottoy of St. Vincent, who is also outstanding in the field, gets an opportunity to display his skills having done so well for the St. Lucia Zouks. I am happy that Shimron Hetmyer has now been brought in from the cold, as once he applies himself, he can play all three formats and he can turn his early promise into match winning innings.
I am struggling to understand the omission of Hope, who has demonstrated his ability to play the shorter format and his stats speak for itself along with his ability to keep wicket. In terms of the omission of Chase, the selectors just need to look back at the quality knocks he provided when playing for the St. Lucia Zoucks which was a revelation in the 20/20 format, not to mention his ability to bowl off spin. Joseph, just back from Worcestershire, is capable of being part of any 20/20 World Cup squad and has shown he can be a genuine all-rounder.
My final comments concern Jayden Seales and Kevin Sinclair. Seales, who was fortunate to have the experience of joining the West Indies squad in Antigua, should have been in the squad as he can bowl at genuine top pace. Plus, his performance in the CWI 50 overs tournament for Trinidad was superb.
Guyana’s talented young off-spinner, Kevin Sinclair, who has had an impressive showing for his native country needs to add some flight to his bowling, which I am sure bowling coach Roddy Estwick, can help him with.
The latest coming out of the ICC is that they are meeting in July to evaluate the situation in the original country host, India, currently experiencing a devastating countrywide pandemic spread. They may look to the UAE or Australia as possible alternate venues. Whether it is India, UAE or Australia, the World Cup will be played on large grounds where fielding and mobility are a major plus in supporting the efforts of each country with their batting and bowling performances.
(Sports Editor’s Note) This story was written before the players were contracted to go to Pakistan.
