Why did Shai Hope not open the batting?

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?

Hope kept wkt. The skippy should have " led from the front."

In reply to Brerzerk


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

What’s your point?

excuses excuses they starting already

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.

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.

In reply to imusic

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

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.

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.....

In reply to imusic

Call those names again and let them resonate in your mind. Poor Hope

In reply to hawk



Louis is replacing Brathwaite....in recent Breakaway League...... Anderson opened .... Swinging white ball....A punt.... didn't worked..... very harsh on debutant....

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.

In reply to imusic



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.

Hope has a poor Test batting average because he spent most of his career batting at the top of the order where he had to deal with the swinging ball, He does not want to go back there.

In reply to Brerzerk



And you expect Anderson to be successful opening the batting on debut at night????

In reply to TanteMerle

Hope is fraud, hiding behind the stumps instead of being exposed in front of it!
Until West Indies stop Shai from hiding behind the wicket, the team will remain hopelessly stuck in the mud!
West Indies are hopeless when your most experienced batsmen and opener at the international level cannot put the team ahead of himself for 5 overs maximum!

All WI test players bat in the top order

In reply to TanteMerle

These guys don't make these comments in the interest of WI cricket so reasoned argument can't work with them.

Cricket is just made for occasions which make heroes. He made #3 in the order so opening was an option and they used it.
I remember Michael Holding on debut practically a teenager used as night watchman when the likes of Keith Boyce and Bernard Julien seasoned test cricketers were available. We talking when Thompson and Lillie was bowling super rapid and knocking people out pre helmet days..

In reply to imusic

Well it is test cricket, a professional sport and any player must be willing to do what needs to be done, with Louis seemingly picking up an injury he was asked to answer the call

It didn't work, no big thing and no reason to be upset he will be fine just leave him alone and give him time

As far as doing better than Kraigg time will reveal that, for now he has my support

In reply to imusic

Too many cowards are around, starting with management

WI batting philosophy—- block, block, block—- and then get out!!

In reply to Batbeforepad


That’s a no win situation.

Play shots and end up derided like Campbell

In reply to imusic


Did you check which of those guys opened the batting while playing as a keeper in test matches? The only one I can remember doing that in tests was Desmond Lewis, who was a unicorn. McCullum and De Kock did not always keep wicket when they played tests.

In reply to Walco

You think accuracy it mattered to the poster?