Today's homework assignment

Predict the number of columns/articles in various newspapers (especially English ones) over the next few days which bemoan the current state of affairs of West Indies cricket. Bonus marks for those who predict the number of columns/articles which will emphatically declare something similar to "World cricket needs a better West Indies cricket side".

Bullcrap. I've not found any literature between the late-1970s and the early-1990s where writers from the Caribbean were saying "World cricket needed a better {insert team name} cricket side". West Indies are pathetic because they took their success for granted and the players (barring Ambrose, Walsh and to some extent Lara & Chanderpaul) haven't worked hard for over a decade now.

There're still a lot of talented youngsters. There're several other test/one-day sides who'd want an all-rounder like Bravo, batsmen like Gayle/Sarwan/Chanderpaul, fast bowlers like Taylor/Powell. From what I have seen, the problem is a lack of on-field discipline. I'm not qualified to comment on what happens off the field, but to me, the best indicator of indisciplined cricket is the fielding. West Indies have always boasted some great, athletic fielders, even until 5-6 years ago - Lara, Hooper, Chanderpaul were great/very fine fielders. But if you look at the current West Indies team's fielding, it is a joke.

The absence of emphasis on fielding is the surest indicator of a system that lacks discipline. Until West Indies sort that out, no amount of individual talents/achievements will help the side.

Labels: west indies