The Independent Voice of West Indies Cricket

Why did Shai Hope not open the batting?

imusic 7/13/25, 4:12:52 AM
imusic avatar image

debut: 11/13/02
80,408 runs

Instead, they preferred to sacrifice a young player on his debut?

Was the “sacrifice” actually made by Shai Hope to allow another player to bat in their preferred position?

Has Kevlon Anderson ever opened the batting before today?
Brerzerk 7/13/25, 4:17:39 AM
Brerzerk avatar image

debut: 3/16/21
12,820 runs

Hope kept wkt. The skippy should have " led from the front."
imusic 7/13/25, 4:31:49 AM
imusic avatar image

debut: 11/13/02
80,408 runs

In reply to Brerzerk
Hope kept wkt


So did Desmond Lewis, Adam Gilchrist, Brendan Mccullum, Quinton de Kock, and many more.

What’s your point?
velo 7/13/25, 4:48:59 AM
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debut: 7/29/19
5,139 runs

excuses excuses they starting already
Brerzerk 7/13/25, 4:57:59 AM
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debut: 3/16/21
12,820 runs

In reply to imusic

My point is not everyone can successfully be a wkt keeper batsman opener. I'm fact you've listed the group rightfully called the exception. There are another 200 who haven't nor couldn't do it.
imusic 7/13/25, 5:25:14 AM
imusic avatar image

debut: 11/13/02
80,408 runs

In reply to Brerzerk

Shai Hope has a ODI batting average of near 50.

His ODI batting average when opening the batting is in the 60’s

He is the wicketkeeper for the West Indies ODI team and has played 49 ODI’s as wicketkeeper batsman.

I guess that’s not successful to you.

And beyond that, my point is that rather than “impose” on Shai Hope….because he seems to need to be protected at all costs, they rather send a debutant, who is not an opener in any form of cricket, to get slaughtered by one of the game’s best bowling attack.
- edited -
hawk 7/13/25, 5:31:15 AM
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debut: 4/1/07
4,643 runs

In reply to imusic

you upset because your kraigg replacement failed?
give him some time
imusic 7/13/25, 5:37:13 AM
imusic avatar image

debut: 11/13/02
80,408 runs

In reply to hawk

I’m upset that they sent a debutant in that situation.

That said…..he did make 3 more runs that kraigg would have.
Onionman0 7/13/25, 5:40:36 AM
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debut: 3/6/20
4,819 runs

In reply to imusic

Non of the above opened in Test.....they opened in white ball cricket.....
Opening with Anderson a crime.....once again committed...after Jewel....
Most probably, opening with King....since, he opens in white ball under lights... swinging condition...
Decision was made to hoodwink Aus plan.......
To a certain extent, it worked.....
natty_forever 7/13/25, 6:28:40 AM
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debut: 4/28/03
60,982 runs

In reply to imusic

Call those names again and let them resonate in your mind. Poor Hope
- edited -
Onionman0 7/13/25, 6:33:55 AM
Onionman0 avatar image

debut: 3/6/20
4,819 runs

In reply to hawk

you upset because your kraigg replacement failed?
give him some time


Louis is replacing Brathwaite....in recent Breakaway League...... Anderson opened .... Swinging white ball....A punt.... didn't worked..... very harsh on debutant....
Inity 7/13/25, 9:57:11 AM
Inity avatar image

debut: 11/13/02
218 runs

In reply to imusic

I agree, however, in the context of the game, it could be argued that Anderson was used as a night watchman. It wasn’t ideal but this is a professional sport. He has to go out there and do his best, that’s all that is required. Strategically speaking, the team would like to see a batsman with those averages you pointed out available on the second day. Starc has sent back many professional openers for 3 or less, and many in his first over. Anderson ought to be motivated by the situation, let’s see his second innings.
TanteMerle 7/13/25, 10:38:12 AM
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debut: 2/22/04
8,846 runs

In reply to imusic

So did Desmond Lewis, Adam Gilchrist, Brendan Mccullum, Quinton de Kock, and many more.


The higher the monkey clime, the more he expose his tail (decent version).
The more you type, the more stupid you sound.

First take the name Desmond Lewis off, as his sample size is 3 games.
Next, when did Adam Gilchrist, Brendan Mccullum, Quinton de Kock open in tests?
Edumacate me, cause I didn't know that they did.
Oranges and stones. 2 different categories.

I have seen Hope opened the batting after keeping for 50 overs.
He sweats like crazy, has to concentrate harder, and made it work.

The correct decision based on the circumstances was made.
The bigger question is the selection of a debutant for a pink ball test against Ozzies.

Hope did bout 450 squats yesterday.
BTW: I wicketkeep and opened for years.
I am not professional, but is was very hard, especially when we fielded first.
The one advantage is that you get use to the pace of the wicket by keeping.
Probably why many successful keepers/openers perform well batting second.