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LATER this month on the 23rd, West Indies’ cricketers embark on their journey to defend the T20 World Cup that they won in 2016 and 2012. WI were always in the upper strata of the rankings in the early days of international competition in T20 cricket which began approximately fifteen years ago.Because of the joy and happiness, Carlos Brathwaite had brought to West Indians globally, by slapping the first four deliveries of the final over from English stalwart Ben Stokes for six, to win the game, he was named almost immediately as successor to Sammy. An injustice was done to Brathwaite, as he was not even a regular member of the team.Many players became unavailable to play. The hapless Barbadian, in a situation beyond his capacity, just could not manage his new responsibilities. He could not mould the team together because it was always changing, through the tremendous unpopularity of the CWI president and ineffectual selectors. It was not his fault, he was thrust into the position unwarranted.

Thus, WI T20 cricket went into a downward spiral and hit the bottom of the rankings of the Test-playing countries. Since then, it has been quite a struggle to gain some ground to get back into the top three. In spite of a new administration under president Ricky Skerritt, the appointment of a new T20 captain in Kieron Pollard, plus fresh selectors, WI gained only a slight improvement.The rankings at present-: England 278; India 266; Pakistan 261; New Zealand 257; South Africa 250; Bangladesh 241; Australia 240; Afghanistan 236; West Indies 234; Sri Lanka 229.

There is a shadow of unfitness covering the WI squad of players that could prove to be our undoing, especially when the heat of the middle east venues is taken into consideration. Watching the continuation of the IPL in which games are being played on the same fields that the T20WC will be using, gives one pause to reflect.I’m thinking of the already lame Andre Russell.Although it is being said that the injury to his hamstring is being worked on daily, it will still be a problem, as during this time of repair he won’t be doing any fitness training.I’m concerned about Ravi Rampaul.I see Oshane Thomas and Obed McCoy struggling. The captain Kieron Pollard is out of touch, nonetheless, with his experience, his batting can switch on.Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer. Although two of the most talented batsmen on the side, their form is worrying. Chris Gayle’s predicament is self-doubt. His reflexes are too slow to deal with the pace and his footwork is too limited to play spin. Also, he’s a passenger on the field.

I’m thinking of the already lame Andre Russell.

Although it is being said that the injury to his hamstring is being worked on daily, it will still be a problem, as during this time of repair he won’t be doing any fitness training.

Full concentration would be on his injury and rest.

I’m concerned about Ravi Rampaul. I don’t believe he’s fit enough to play in the sweltering temperatures that would be experienced during games. It’s easy to say he has only four overs to bowl, all the same, he will be in the field chasing balls for 20 overs. I wonder how much experience would help in the circumstances.

I see Oshane Thomas and Obed McCoy struggling.

.I’m concerned about Ravi Rampaul.

Absolutely amazing that someone would cut out the bolded part.One is free to determine which part to highlight, but to deliberately cut out a part that you do not like is worse than disingenuous.

Ah just wanted to see if posters read the full article....

See now I know.....

You are a shameless fruad and everything else they say about you and more.

fruad

You are a shameless fruad and everything else they say about you and more.