What's Wrong With the Windies?

There are not many among us content with the showing of the West Indies in the ICC Champions Trophy and more than a few are sulking over the fact that the team caved in so pathetically and predictably in the finals after such a blistering start.

In a matter of few overs, what could have been a great Caribbean triumph turned in to one colossal collapse. How many times must West Indies fans be subjected to these kinds of batting collapses. Hats off to the team for reaching the finals, but it's really not enough to reach the finals. Competing in the finals for 100 overs is one thing and winning it is altogether a different ball game.

The final result could be attributed to the inconsistent approach that the West Indies took in the tournament and a few players not performing to their fullest potential. Take, for example, the crucial number 3 batting position. In all, 4 batsmen were used at number 3 in the eight games -- Lara, Sarwan, Dwayne Smith and Dwayne Bravo. The best batsman in your team should bat at 3. That happens to be Brian Lara, Given his age and his skill in tackling the spinners, it's understandable if he comes in at number five but he should never bat later than that.

What further defied logic was the sight of Sarwan coming in first down in the final after Bravo had done such a nice job against England. This is where teams like Australia are successful, they persisted with Shane Watson despite his failures and have unearthed a new opening batsman. Instead, Bravo is fast becoming the Irfan Pathan of the West Indies. It seems that the lack of a defined role is taking a toll on Bravo's bowling as well.

Dwayne Smith and Marlon Samuels are two talented cricketers who just can't seem to put it all together. Samuels for once looked good in the final before getting out with another soft dismissal. Smith can set your heart racing every time he comes out to bat and his bowling has improved leaps and bounds. But these guys are primarily batting all-rounders and the West Indies need consistent scores from them.

Corey Collymore is a different matter altogether. He is probably the most one-dimensional cricketer to ever play for the West Indies. He is not express pace, can't field, can't bat and worst, he can't run. He can be a good asset for tests but in one-dayers, Dwayne Smith should take his place.

The West Indies remind me of the the Indian team of the 1990s that depended so much on Sachin Tendulkar. They are overly dependent on Chris Gayle. If he fails, the team falls behind. To overcome this huge factor, we need a settled and decent combination going in to the World Cup. Being the consistent pair they are I would like to See Gayle and Chanderpaul open the batting.

We should have a consistent #3 batsman and since Lara is not going to be at that position, we need someone who can stick around and keep the scoreboard ticking. I like Runako Morton's attitude and his dedication but, to be fair to him, his technique is poor and looks all at sea against spinners.

Daren Ganga and Narsingh Deonarine are two batsmen that should not be ignored in ODI cricket. I'd slot Ganga in at number three to provide solidity and forget about all the experimenting.

Sarwan would drop down to number four to provide the glue to hold the top and the fragile middle order together.

Lara at #5 gives the option of taking on the spinners during the middle of the innings as well as guiding the lower middle order. You can pick a pair from Bravo, Samuels or Deonarine to round out the batting order at #6 and #7.

Denesh Ramdin needs to replace Carlton Baugh behind the stumps as he is a better low-order batsman. Dwayne Smith, Jerome Taylor and Ian Bradshaw should complete the bowling attack. Fidel Edwards and Merv Dillon could be selected as back up pacers. Dillon is an experienced campaigner and is ideally suited for the home conditions.

My ideal 15 for the World Cup:

Brian Lara (captain)
Ramnaresh Sarwan (vice-captain)
Chris Gayle
Shiv Chanderpaul
Darren Ganga
Runako Morton
Marlon Samuels
Dwayne Bravo
Dwayne Smith
Denesh Ramdhin (wkpr)
Jerome Taylor
Ian Bradshaw
Narsingh Deonarine
Fidel Edwards
Merv Dillon

This combination can be tested out during the ODIs against Pakistan and India ahead of the World Cup without worrying much about the results.

If they are going to chop and change till the last minute without any focus towards the World Cup, I'm sure we will get the occasional flashes of brilliance from Gayle, Lara, Taylor and others, but as a team the West Indies will always be the bridesmaid.