The Windies Bowling Conundrum

With the recent test series versus South Africa completed, it is clearer than before that the West Indies bowling attack is toothless. A quick review of the series shows a bowling attack which has conceded almost 3,000 runs at a whopping average of 750 runs per match and never taking all 10 wickets in an inning.

Irrespective of the bowling conditions, the bowlers conspired to concede 300-plus runs on the first day of an inning. The above statistics should be cause for great concern amongst the WI administrators and fans alike. For if you cannot take 20 wickets in match how can you expect to win?

However, before we banish the entire lot and send them into exile lets look at them individually. In so doing we may yet find some raw material with which to work and with the hope of turning around our fortunes sooner rather than later.

Merv Dillon
The most experienced of the bowlers on tour with over 100 wickets to his credit, Dillon did nothing that suggest he belonged in the Test team set up. For the most part, the theory of a consistent line and length was too much for him to comprehend and he looked like he?d rather be elsewhere than on the cricket pitch. With overall figures of 4/359 at an average of 89.75 and best figure of 2/96 we can surely understand why the team did so poorly in the test series. It must now be asked, how long will the selectors persist with him. Surely, it cannot be much longer.

Corey Collymore
After his performance in the series against Sri Lanka, much was expected of this young bowler. Blessed with skill and ability, he too failed to sparkle. While it can be argued the he was carrying an injury, like his more ?illustrious? colleague Dillon, the concept of effective bowling proved elusive. Still he bowled well in patches and based on his past performances, he should be persisted with, if only for the immediate future. Collymore?s figures of 4/228 at an average of 57 with a best of 2/118 do not do justice to his ability as a quality bowler.

Vasbert Drakes
A man considered by some to be past it, did nothing on this tour to silence his critics. Drakes who has been touted as the ?experienced professional? which was essential for success in this series, looked very ordinary and woefully out of place. While his few tight spells were appreciated, he never looked threatening and his inability to take wickets did not help. At this juncture of the team?s development Drake should not be persisted with for much longer. We should be looking to thank him for his services and move on.

Adam Sanford
Sanford was called up as a replacement when Omari Banks had to be sent home due to injury. Prior to his selection, not much was heard of him and questions were raised as to the merit of his selection. He played in the tour match preceding the 2nd Test and by all accounts acquitted himself well. In the test match however it was different story. His penchant for bowling on both sides of the wicket and the compulsory 4-ball every over was painful to watch. Sanford, the subject of an alleged rift between Lara and Richards in the 4th tes,t must now be wishing lady luck shines on him once more. As the second highest wicket taker on tour in a wayward and hapless attack the selectors may still find a place for him. His figures of 7/340 at an average of 48.57 with best of 4 ? 132 may allow him an extended run. Only time will tell.

Fidel Edwards
Easily the bay of the attack, Edwards did not live up to expectations. Through no fault of his, he was entrusted with spearheading the attack, a move which was perhaps premature at this stage of his career. He tended to bowl too short and was also guilty of spraying it around. Still he kept running in and continued to bowl the odd excellent delivery which, with a little more luck, would have yielded more favourable returns. He is encouraged to go back to the drawing board and work on the basics so that he can be more effective in the future. Still his 8/648 makes him the leading wicket taker on tour, though his average of 81 is way too high. This performance should provide encouragement for the youngster who continues to learn his trade and is finding his feet.

Dave Mohammed
Mohammed in his single test did not look too bad. While he didn?t set the place alight, there is enough talent there to be developed and harnessed. As a youngster, he can only benefit from the experience and should be persisted with. He took 3 wickets at an average of 47.33 and it would not be strange to see him line up against the English when they arrive.

Ronnie Sarwan and Wavell Hinds, who were picked for their batting abilities, found themselves playing as part of the bowling attack. Their contribution must be lauded and encouraged. Together they bowled 121.4 overs and took 11 wickets at a collective average of 43.67. They provided the much needed rest for the frontline bowlers and allowed the captain to rotate the bowlers more freely. Sarwan?s leg break bowling also played the vital role of improving the over rate. Both men should be encouraged to work on this aspect of the game as it will serve the team well in the future.

Having completed the above assessment one cannot help but wonder, which if any of the bowlers mentioned will be asked to line up at Sabina Park and elsewhere for the English series. As a fan the bowling performance in the just concluded series evokes tears and a longing for the good old days.

With Carib Beer series on in earnest, many are looking to see which of the youngsters will step up and stake their claim on the available bowling spots. Several names are being bandied about, including the likes of Ravi Rampaul, Jason Bennett, Andrew Richardson, Tino Best, Dwight Washington and Jerome Taylor.

Depending on whom you listen to, any of the above individuals are sure picks for the first test at least. Still there are whispers of Pedro Collins returning to redeem himself and his fledgling Test career. On the spin side incumbent Dave Mohammed alongside Ryan Cunningham and Sulieman Benn are seen as being in with a chance.

Come March 11th when the first ball bowls off against England, irrespective of the bowlers chosen, the question at the back of most of our minds will undoubtedly be ?Can we get 20 wickets every match and win the series??

As they say, your guess is as good mine.