The West Indies fell to a 15-run defeat to Australia in what was their second game at the 2019 Cricket World Cup. It was a defeat which left Caribbean fans with the feeling that their team had lost, rather than the feeling that Australia had won. In reviewing WINDIES’ chase of 289 at Trent Bridge last Thursday, there is no doubt that they were cruising until Shimron Hetmyer was found short of his ground. The Caribbean side was still on top following the soft dismissal of Shai Hope, were still the favourites up until Andre Russell departed and was still in with a chance prior to Jason Holder being caught. But having had Australia on the ropes at 38 for 4 in the 8th over and again at 79 for 5 in the 17th over, there is no excuse the West Indies can give for, ultimately, needing 289 to win.
WINDIES players should, indeed, give their very best on the pitch. But, what about giving ourselves the best chance even before stepping on the field; that is, in naming the best playing XI, a balanced XI, an XI relevant to conditions and each opposition? After the initial wave of attack from Thomas, Cottrell and Russell (Holder withheld himself from the attack), the threat of the WINDIES attack grew lukewarm. And although Holder must take some responsibility for the use of his bowlers, there is something to be said for the West Indies attack itself going from the three Jamaican quicks to options such Nurse and Brathwaite in the context of this game, specifically. Especially, given the fact that Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel were available.
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Big opportunity tomorrow for the WI, they allowed the last game to slip away, they should up their intensity as the have the talent to go far this WC
Our problem is that none of our fast bowlers can bat worth a damn. I believe it is the only international team that faces this problem. So do we play a 4 prong and have a long useless tail or do we take the chance and depend on the batting, which is largely either inexperienced or headless.
6 of one and half a dozen of the other. If we rebuild and properly nurture what we have, our time may be the next World Cup.
Keemo Paul should have been on the team. He is miles ahead of last ball 4 Braithwaite Nurse is average and a wasted pick .Khary Pierre is a better spinner and can bat. Pooran can open or Shai .If Evin fails again in the morning then he should be rested and replaced with the aforementioned two.
Darren could come in for Evin to boost the batting .
Roach can bat better than Gabriel so he should play SINCE Paul is not in the 15.
West Indies rue not having Joseph due to and Paul despite injuries.
I am agreeing with Gayle that Hetmyer need to be held to account.
With Russell it's give and take. Hope he makes better decisions moving forward
In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com
I keep reading these threads and cannot find an explanation for Braithwaite's inclusion in this team.For Pete's sake what has this man done??? He cannot bat....and Pleeeeease do not mention the sixes when no one knew his batting style.His average batting and bowling are pedestrian at best yet he keeps appearing in our teams. He and butterfinger Nurse should not be within a mile of the team. Holder is not Clive LLoyd but his effort is without question. Nurse and Braithwaite are quick to talk and cannot produce. At best they remain glorified Club players. Give the young brigade a chance.
