This past summer’s Test schedule was to mould various heroes as Windies were poised to accommodate Asian visitors for the traditional format of the game. With both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh sitting higher than the hosts in the ICC Test Rankings, the opportunity presented itself for the 9th ranked Windies to ascend. The Caribbean side was set to contest five Tests–spanning June 6 to July 16, 2018. With talent on exhibition, designated controversies and impending records, a memorable summer laid ahead.
The hosts’ bowling attack stood tall all summer, acquiring twenty wickets four times in five attempts; the same number as the Jason Holder led unit previously acquired. Windies went unbeaten when taking twenty wickets, winning three times and playing out a single draw. The hosts took 96 of a possible 100 wickets this home season; often turning back the clock with West Indian style bowling on West Indian type pitches. As a result, Windies’ seamers claimed responsibility for 88% of the 96 wickets. These impressive numbers came on the back of the formidable partnership developed between opening bowlers Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel. The two accounted for 36 wickets before Roach’s injury in the first innings of the first test versus Bangladesh in Antigua. It must also be said that throughout this summer, playing five bowlers is the most balanced Windies has looked in recent times. The subsequent partnership between captain Jason Holder and Miguel Cummins was also impressive, accounting for 37 wickets.
Gabriel, who started the season on 83 Test wickets, left destruction in his wake as he was able to step into the ‘100 Test Wickets Club’. Kemar Roach also got to a personal milestone of 150 Test wickets. The often underrated Jason Holder was majestic at times this home season with both bat and ball, leading from the front as a captain should. His tally of 28 wickets this season included three five wickets hauls; to put into perspective Holder’s performance with the ball–his total of 28 wickets equals that of Shannon Gabriel.
In regards to the batting, two batsmen caught the eye; the always reliable Kraigg Brathwaite and wicket-keeper batsman Shane Dowrich. Dowrich’s century led Windies to victory in the first Test this season. He then went on to accumulate 354 runs over the five Tests. Whilst, following a disappointing series versus Sri Lanka, by his standards, the vice-captain gave a reminder as to why he is indeed Windies’ best batsman, recording his seventh and eight Test centuries in back-to-back innings.
Finally, when batting first, Windies batted a combined 335 overs with an average of 112 overs to each 1st innings. This is not far from the 120-over mark which Holder’s men should be seeking to target. However, during the second time at the crease (having batted first), they stuck around for just over 148 over. Almost 50 overs on average to each 2nd innings. In essence, Windies have fallen short by nearly 40 overs when returning to the middle. This, as well as the still-present no-ball issue, are things the West Indies must seek to rectify if they intend to give a good account of themselves in India this October. All in all, it was a summer of progress for this Windies team.
LONDON – Sunil Ambris and John Campbell stroked lively half-centuries as West Indies A earned a draw against English County Surrey on the final day of their first class tour match yesterday.
Left to survive two sessions after the hosts declared at lunch with a lead of 361, Windies A safely navigated the afternoon at the Oval to end on 194 for three in their second innings.
Test batsman Sunil Ambris sent selectors another reminder of his quality with an unbeaten 63 while opener Campbell struck 55.
Vishaul Singh chipped in with 26, opener Chandrapaul Hemraj got 23 while wicketkeeper Devon Thomas finished 22 not out.
Surrey had earlier added 111 in the first session as they converted their overnight 62 for one into 173 for four declared in their second innings.
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) is delighted to announce Betway, one of the world’s leading betting and gaming companies, as their official betting partner. The partnership officially launched during the iPay International Homes Series between the WINDIES and Bangladesh ready for the forthcoming ODIs and IT20s.
CWI’s Commercial and Marketing Director, Dominic Warne, said “We are really pleased to announce this partnership with Betway and their major investment into international cricket such is their profile and international customer base.” Warne added, “With Betway also supporting our integrity and player education programme, the partnership enables CWI to strengthen the guidance and support offered to our professional cricketers as they build their careers at home in the Caribbean and on the global stage. “
Warne is also keen to emphasise the recent success that CWI has had attracting new partners. “Cricket is the heartbeat of the Caribbean and the announcement of a second major international partnership within a six-week period underlines the appeal of West Indian cricket both in the Caribbean and worldwide.”
Betway will benefit from branding at all WINDIES International Home Series matches until the end of 2019 as well as on the CWI website and its social media channels.
Betway’s Anthony Werkman said: “We are always looking to enhance and grow the Betway brand and that’s exactly what we have done by partnering with Cricket West Indies.
“We are making huge investments across a wide-range of sports and are sure that this partnership will prove to be a successful one. We are really looking forward to all the action.”
Hampshire Sports, a UK based sports marketing company has brought this partnership together and are pleased that Betway will become the “Official Betting Partner of Cricket West Indies”. Hampshire Sports Director, Janet Allen says “The partnership is a great fit and complements both the CWI and Betway brands and all remain fiercely committed to upholding the image of the sport.”
From the outset, Windies knew a 2-0 victory would afford them the opportunity to overtake Bangladesh in the ICC Test Rankings. The mission was accomplished within a combined six days, as the hosts completed a 2-0 whitewash. As a result, Windies were propelled above Bangladesh to 8th in the ICC Test Rankings at Sabina Park in Jamaica over the weekend. In so doing, further ground work was laid by the hosts in the quest for consistency as this Jason Holder led team continued to make progress.
Windies’ opening bowlers had been having a fruitful summer that resulted in encouraging performances. So, when they were set to enter a Test match without Kemar Roach for the first time in five series there were some worries as to how the disturbance to the partnership he and Shannon Gabriel had developed would affect the team’s bowling. Yet, all worries were laid to rest when the Captain showed up, stepped up and held his hand up.
It was by definition ‘A Captain’s Performance’ from Jason Holder that sealed the series for the Caribbean side. His match figures of 11/103 complemented by Kraigg Brathwaite’s first innings century, proved too much for the visiting Bangladeshis to handle. Brathwaite continued his return to form with a workmanlike 110. Making it the sixth time he has made a major contribution in Jason Holder’s seven wins as Test captain.
Having previously found themselves in similar situations in Zimbabwe and against Sri Lanka, it was a pleasant surprise to see Windies being ruthless this time around. It was also important on a psychological front for the team to gain their first home series win with Holder at the helm. There is no getting ahead of ourselves as there is still a long way to go, but if this home season has been anything–it has been progressive. Considering all Caribbean fans have seen in the recent past, it is safe to say they will be content with progress…for now.
A disappointing batting effort from West Indies A left them with an uphill task of saving their four-day match against County side Surrey.
Replying to the hosts' first innings of 366 all out, West Indies collapsed to 178 in reply, to concede a lead of 188 runs, on the second day of the encounter at the Oval.
Batting a second time, Surrey were 62 for one - a lead of 250 runs heading into today's penultimate day.
Left-hander Vishaul Singh top-scored with 47, Odean Smith got 30 while wicketkeeper Devon Thomas chipped in with 28, but the Caribbean side found life difficult against the South African pace duo of Morne Morkel and Mathew Pillans.
Morkel, 33, who recently retired from international cricket after playing 86 Tests, claimed three for 12 while Pillans ended with three for 29.
John Campbell fell for five with the score on 28, losing his off stump to a full length delivery from Morkel, and opening partner Chandrapaul Hemraj followed for 19 four balls later in the same over, caught at second slip by Scott Borthwick.
When Pillans removed Sunil Ambris for 12 to a catch by Mark Stoneman at square leg, Windies A were struggling on 53 for five.
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