After the start of play on the second day of the final Test match between the West Indies and England was delayed, current Windies all rounder Dwayne Bravo sought out English legend and the newly knighted Sir Ian Botham for advice.
"I spoke to him (Sir Ian) about an all rounder's job and how he balanced the workload of an all rounder and I also asked him if he sees anything in my game that he can assist me with," Bravo revealed after he made an unbeaten 43 in putting together a 77 run partnership with Shivnarine Chanderpaul to rescue the West Indies from 55 for 4.
The West Indies Players’ Association has today informed the West Indies Cricket Board that, in accordance with Article VI of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Board and WIPA, it will not agree to the tour of the West Indies ‘A’ team to Zimbabwe in July.
WIPA said the decision was reached following intensive discussions with various stakeholders and likely selectees who have unanimously expressed deep concern about players' safety and the continuing volatile situation existing in that country.
Antiguan batsman Austin Richards has won a call-up to the West Indies side for the ODI and 20/20 matches in the UK and Ireland.
The 23-year-old Richards, who averages 37.88 in his fledgling first-class career, was included in a 14-man squad that will be captained by Chris Gayle. Richards is the only new boy in the side, which sees the return of Dwayne Smith and Lendl Simmons, two players who played in the Cricket World Cup 2007 tournament.
West Indies captain Daren Ganga said the Caribbean side must cut down on mistakes if it is to save face in the final Test against England.
"We are trying to limit the amount of mistakes that we are making and making the same mistakes over and over again," Ganga said during a session with reporters. Some excerpts: