Greatness Returning to Windies Cricket

(The Age)

Nothing has been more encouraging in the early days of this World Cup than the promising signs shown by the West Indians. Over the past 10 years, a team with a rich history had fallen into disrepair.

A group of islands that produced men of the calibre of Frank Worrell, Conrad Hunte, Learie Constantine, Wes Hall and so many others could not find 11 men good and true to represent them with dignity.

Instead, the West Indies were a hotch-potch of lazy cricketers incapable of understanding, let alone sustaining, a proud tradition. Now and then, matches and sometimes series were won, at home anyhow, but the malaise deepened as the years went by.

All sorts of reasons were given for the decline in West Indian cricket. Fingers were pointed at other games promoted on satellite television, wealthier sports that had attracted the attention of youngsters.

Later, it was realised that this excuse did not hold water as hardly any West Indian youngsters have tried, let alone succeeded, in breaking into basketball or baseball. Not until West Indians accepted that mistakes had been made could the fightback begin.

No effort had been made to rebuild at the top. Nothing had been done to improve pitches and facilities. Indeed, both deteriorated even as the West Indies dominated the world. Complacency had set in.

No one doubted that great cricketers would keep appearing, especially fast bowlers and brilliant batsmen. The West Indies had its own informal academies, or so the argument ran, on street corners and parks where matches were supposedly played with lumps of wood hewn from the trees.

In some respects, the rot set in during the great days. Hardly any Indians played for the West Indies in this period, and even fewer skilful spinners were found. Pitches went from bad to worse, crushing the spirit of rising batsmen.

West Indian cricket lived in an illusion. Meanwhile, series after series was lost away from home, a failing still to be rectified. Yet it was not the fact of defeat but its manner that dismayed observers. The West Indies sent a motley collection of men to the World Cup in India and the team was miserable and humiliated by Kenya. No one could be found to hold up the side.

Brian Lara was the only top-class cricketer and, almost alone, he drew a series against Australia, among the best exhibitions of batting ever seen. But Lara lacked the stamina needed to sustain his effort and periodically retired to his tent. Far too much rested on his shoulders. He is a slight man from Trinidad, not a Hercules.

Greatness had gone missing. The most impressive men around needed to be brought into important positions, men such as Ian Bishop and Roger Harper. Likewise cricketers with poor attitudes had to be removed as it takes only one rotten apple to spoil the basket.

An academy was required, a focus of excellence, and proper pitches were needed to allow batsmen to build confidence. Most of these necessities have been recognised and introduced. Happily, it seems it has not been too little too late.

A record of one win and one loss in this World Cup does not indicate a change of fortune, especially as victory owed an enormous amount to a superb century from Lara. Rather, it has been the mood of the players that has raised hopes. Even in defeat against New Zealand, the West Indians showed pride, the lower orders fighting to turn the match around.

Ramnaresh Sarwan's emergence as a batsman of class and temperament is significant because he is intelligent, young, gifted and Indian. Although Marlon Samuels has not played in the opening matches, his abilities have been recognised.

Clearly, these young men are growing up in a culture that brings out the best in them, the sort of constructive and committed atmosphere that players need in their formative years.

Carl Hooper's outfit seems at ease with itself. Vasbert Drakes and Nixon McLean have replaced lesser men and bowlers. Shivnarine Chanderpaul is back, working his wonders in the middle order. Hooper and his coach, Harper, have developed a strategy that makes the most of the resources.

Lara looks refreshed and relaxed. Perhaps Viv Richards has helped in his role as chairman of selectors. Certainly, Viv does not stand for any nonsense and he has always carried himself with pride.

The Windies may not win the World Cup but have made a mark and are representing their region with honour. At last, the road ahead has more roses that rocks upon it.

* SOURCE: The Age.