debut: 2/16/24
946 runs
Two very important questions facing the new regime at the top of West Indian cricket. The test side, soon to face off against the mighty Australians, are currently without a captain and arguably, no closer to a settled batting line up than they have been for quite some time.
Kraigg Brathwaite has stepped away from the role, a decision which I, along with many others, will have welcomed as the team, despite achieving some fantastic individual results over the past year or so, remain far too stagnant in regards to their batting approach. Perhaps a change to a more positive, progressive method may see this major concern finally addressed, only time will tell.
The obvious options seem to be limited, perhaps even nonexistent but who, in all honesty, will want the role on more than a short term basis? Names such as Shai Hope, the white ball captain, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva and one or two others are being spoken about amongst followers of the regional side and no doubt, more importantly, behind closed doors too.
Whoever takes the role, whether it be as a short term placement or for a longer period, will have the task of helping strengthen what is currently one of the weakest batting orders in test cricket. The bowling attack, led by Jayden Seales & Shamar Joseph, boasts much more strength than the batting line up. The experienced and still reliable Kemar Roach is likely to remain in the set up for the short term, as is his countryman Jomel Warrican, who enjoyed a fantastic tour of Pakistan at the turn of the year. In Gudakesh Motie, the West Indies have another slow ball option who also chips in with useful lower order runs. Alzarri Joseph and a few lesser experienced quicks provide depth for the fast bowling crew. The bowling, at least, would seem in a healthy state.
The batting is an entirely different story, with Brathwaitte, Louis, Carty, Athanaze & Hodge all failing to perform on the test stage in recent times. If a new leader comes into the top order, how many, if any will be retained? It could be argued that an entire new line up replace the names on the list but that may seem extreme, especially for a team that has in its most recent test outing, returned from Pakistan with a positive result.
Of those knocking, or in some cases, banging & hammering as loudly as possible on the door for a chance, the following regional performers stand out:
Jason Mohammed (T&T) with over 500 runs & 3 centuries, he simply must be strongly considered for a test debut, even at the age of 38.
Kevlon Anderson (Guyana) almost 500 runs & a pair of 100s, another whose claim holds serious weight. He looks the part, now it may be time.
Johnathan Drakes (Barbados) another who is over 30 years of age but staking a claim to be given a chance with his strong showing this season.
Jewel Andrew (Leewards) teenager with immense potential who has over 400 runs this season and a first class average approaching 40.
John Campbell (Jamaica) with 20 tests to his name and a decent season, an option worthy of consideration.
Joshua Da Silva (T&T) after losing his place to the impressive Tevin Imlach, has returned to form with 3 centuries during a fine season.
Without delving deeper down the list of current batsmen who are performing well, or at least fairly in the current climate, the list above shows one thing if nothing else. If changes are to be made, there are options available and some would feel very warranted. Consider that none of the current test team's top or middle order, aside from wicket-keeper Tevin Imlach, have matched the exploits of the batsmen named above. Considering that the names on the next list are players regarded as the incumbents, some of what follows is disheartening...
Kraigg Brathwaite - averaging 50 due to a double hundred against the WI Academy. Otherwise, remains short of runs.
Mikyle Louis - failed to kick on after a brilliant first class season last year, with disappointing returns in the test side. Over 400 runs with several decent scores, he remains in the picture. Only 24 years old and has room and time to grow.
Kavem Hodge - misfired against both Bangladesh & Pakistan, has also failed to return to form this season and in danger of losing out vs Australia.
Keacy Carty - talented but remains out of form since white ball series against Bangladesh. Would need a miracle to force his way back into the test side.
Kevin Sinclair - the effervescent all-rounder has struggled this season & needs to address his concentration & decision making to return to the test side.
Alick Athanaze - perhaps the most disappointing after often showing flashes of brilliance. Since a battling 50 in Pakistan, the wheels have come off.
With more regional cricket to be played, the selectors still have time to decide who will come into the test side and importantly, who will lead it. It will certainly be an interesting and patently debatable period when the news breaks.
Kraigg Brathwaite has stepped away from the role, a decision which I, along with many others, will have welcomed as the team, despite achieving some fantastic individual results over the past year or so, remain far too stagnant in regards to their batting approach. Perhaps a change to a more positive, progressive method may see this major concern finally addressed, only time will tell.
The obvious options seem to be limited, perhaps even nonexistent but who, in all honesty, will want the role on more than a short term basis? Names such as Shai Hope, the white ball captain, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva and one or two others are being spoken about amongst followers of the regional side and no doubt, more importantly, behind closed doors too.
Whoever takes the role, whether it be as a short term placement or for a longer period, will have the task of helping strengthen what is currently one of the weakest batting orders in test cricket. The bowling attack, led by Jayden Seales & Shamar Joseph, boasts much more strength than the batting line up. The experienced and still reliable Kemar Roach is likely to remain in the set up for the short term, as is his countryman Jomel Warrican, who enjoyed a fantastic tour of Pakistan at the turn of the year. In Gudakesh Motie, the West Indies have another slow ball option who also chips in with useful lower order runs. Alzarri Joseph and a few lesser experienced quicks provide depth for the fast bowling crew. The bowling, at least, would seem in a healthy state.
The batting is an entirely different story, with Brathwaitte, Louis, Carty, Athanaze & Hodge all failing to perform on the test stage in recent times. If a new leader comes into the top order, how many, if any will be retained? It could be argued that an entire new line up replace the names on the list but that may seem extreme, especially for a team that has in its most recent test outing, returned from Pakistan with a positive result.
Of those knocking, or in some cases, banging & hammering as loudly as possible on the door for a chance, the following regional performers stand out:
Jason Mohammed (T&T) with over 500 runs & 3 centuries, he simply must be strongly considered for a test debut, even at the age of 38.
Kevlon Anderson (Guyana) almost 500 runs & a pair of 100s, another whose claim holds serious weight. He looks the part, now it may be time.
Johnathan Drakes (Barbados) another who is over 30 years of age but staking a claim to be given a chance with his strong showing this season.
Jewel Andrew (Leewards) teenager with immense potential who has over 400 runs this season and a first class average approaching 40.
John Campbell (Jamaica) with 20 tests to his name and a decent season, an option worthy of consideration.
Joshua Da Silva (T&T) after losing his place to the impressive Tevin Imlach, has returned to form with 3 centuries during a fine season.
Without delving deeper down the list of current batsmen who are performing well, or at least fairly in the current climate, the list above shows one thing if nothing else. If changes are to be made, there are options available and some would feel very warranted. Consider that none of the current test team's top or middle order, aside from wicket-keeper Tevin Imlach, have matched the exploits of the batsmen named above. Considering that the names on the next list are players regarded as the incumbents, some of what follows is disheartening...
Kraigg Brathwaite - averaging 50 due to a double hundred against the WI Academy. Otherwise, remains short of runs.
Mikyle Louis - failed to kick on after a brilliant first class season last year, with disappointing returns in the test side. Over 400 runs with several decent scores, he remains in the picture. Only 24 years old and has room and time to grow.
Kavem Hodge - misfired against both Bangladesh & Pakistan, has also failed to return to form this season and in danger of losing out vs Australia.
Keacy Carty - talented but remains out of form since white ball series against Bangladesh. Would need a miracle to force his way back into the test side.
Kevin Sinclair - the effervescent all-rounder has struggled this season & needs to address his concentration & decision making to return to the test side.
Alick Athanaze - perhaps the most disappointing after often showing flashes of brilliance. Since a battling 50 in Pakistan, the wheels have come off.
With more regional cricket to be played, the selectors still have time to decide who will come into the test side and importantly, who will lead it. It will certainly be an interesting and patently debatable period when the news breaks.
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