The Emergence of the 3
Sun, Apr 26, '15
After 20 years of free falling in test cricket, is it possible that the West Indies are finally setting a solid foundation to compete against the top 7 test nations?
There's an undercurrent of excitement among ardent West Indians fans, who relished the 4th innings fight put up to ensure an unlikely draw in the first test match against England in the current home series. Fuel is being added to the fire with another fightback currently underway in the 2nd test match.
The backbone of the resistance have been Kraig Brathwaite (22 years, 145 days), Darren Bravo (26 years, 78 days), Jermaine Blackwood (23 years, 156 days), Jason Holder (23 years, 171 days) alongside veteran Marlon Samuels. The bowling department has not been as consistent with Jerome Taylor, Kemar Roach and a returning Devendra Bishoo struggling on flat and lifeless pitches.
Brathwaite average (36.96), a dour batsman who's prepared to grind out an inning is in contrast to those that have gone before him - Greenidge, Hunte, Gayle, Haynes,Frederick, has provided stability at the top. The search for the 2nd opener seems destined to continue as a half century by veteran Devon Smith seems unlikely to lead to continued consistency.
Darren Bravo (42.78) has not been at his fluent best so far, but his 6 centuries, average of 42 and highest score of 218 is nothing to scoff at.
Jermaine Blackwood (48.25) progressed quickly into the West Indies team and impressed many with his tenacity and ability to successfully take on a challenge. A tightening of his technique will only make him better.
Greater challenges await the 3Bs in the near future. The Australians, South Africans, Indians and Pakistanis will test them, and we will see what they are made of. Will they learn, adapt and succeed ? will their steely determination forged in fire grow stronger, or get brittle and break?
Waiting in the wings are Shai Hope (21 years, 159 days) and Carlos Brathwaite (26 years, 274 days). The West Indies currently has a 14 man squad with 9 players under the age of 30.
New coach Phil Simmons' honeymoon is over before it has begun, the search for an all-rounder to take on the # 6 position continues with contenders Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite in the squad. Shivnarine Chanderpaul will probably bow out over the next 6-12 months and Shai Hope will get an opportunity to show wares.
The search is still on to strengthen our bowling stock. There have been flashes from Jerome Taylor and Kemar Roach. Davendra Bishoo has improved and now bowls a sharp googly. Others in regional cricket need to step up in support, the likes of Permaul, Beaton, Miguel Cummings, all contracted by their local boards need to show massive improvements in the next round of regional matches.
There's still a lot of work to be done, we are seeing a lot of positives and continued improvement will build confidence and hopefully success, perhaps led by the 3 Bs.
