Windies’ surrender of their one-nil series lead to Bangladesh in the 2nd T20I paves the way for a decider in the third and final T20I on Saturday at the same venue. It was a disappointing bowling performance from the visitors, to say the least; given the fact that Carlos Brathwaite gave up the option to employ scoreboard pressure when he chose to field. Introducing Fabian Allen (with pace off the ball) had an immediate effect on the Bangladeshi run rate but the visitors failed to register this fact—thus missing the plot.
Incidentally, with the pinpointing of the root cause of Windies’ poor bowling display also comes the revelation as to why Oshane Thomas seems the slightest bit dissimilar to the Oshane Thomas from this summer. With the cricketing world falling at his feet as a result of his frightening speed, the Jamaican may have just stepped away from the intelligence which made him more than just another ‘burly fast-bowler’. Along with pace, Thomas also has the ability to be crafty, employing variations quite effectively. However, since making his international debut earlier this year it seems the 21-year-old has been “caught up”, especially in the shortest format, with the excitement surrounding his speed and has alienated what previously aided his success (especially in his second spells) in outwitting even experienced batsmen. Don’t be fooled, his pace is indeed his best attribute, but guile in the shortest format surely increases the value of a bowler; maybe he just needs a “tap” on the shoulder or a “nudge” from someone in the dressing room to remind him of all this.
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