Low morale affects West Indies squad

Head Coach of the West Indies Cricket team Phil Simmons apparently do not say much during the cricket game. He gives his ideas, expectations and shares his expertise before game time and at team meetings. West Indies Captain Jason Holder is left to be the motivator with little help from his Vice Captain Kraigg Brathwaite who appears to lack the necessary communication skills. There is a basic component lacking within the West Indies squad and that is motivation. In addition to the batting failures, there is a clear indication that the team lacks unity.

Players must not feel because of one failure they would be exempted from the next Test match. Playing under those conditions creates uneasiness. Carlos Brathwaite must return to the team as a batsman and he can also be useful bowler. Twenty-four-year-old Roston Chase, the Barbadian who was chosen for the first two Tests, failed with the bat but seemed to have impressed many with his potential as a bowler. Chase is needed in the team more as a batsman than a bowler. Jason Holder’s captaincy has been very poor and he must improve in all categories.

SPECIALIST BOWLERS NEEDED FOR TEST CRICKET

West Indies bowlers are very non-threatening to these Indian batsmen. India has a strong squad with a superb combination of quality bowlers and batsmen. West Indies bowlers ought to exploit their opposition weaknesses in order to pick up wickets. Shannon Gabriel is quick but he does not move the ball around much. He does not even apply a slower ball. Holder at times derives some movement but not enough to put batsmen in much trouble.

Devendra Bishoo lacks variety and he continues to bowl that long up or bowls well too short. Brathwaite must not be used as a top bowler. He is more of a batsman who can really show off skills in a Test match as well. The potential is there and he is developing quickly. Apparently the West Indies coach Simmons needs him to fill the gap of a front line bowler in Test cricket, that may not be possible. Brathwaite must focus on his batting.

Chase, who made his debut in Antigua, must concentrate on his batting and do not get confused with the business of being an all-rounder. The responsibilities of an all-rounders are pretty tough, if one is incapable of producing.

CAPTAIN HOLDER IS UNPRODUCTIVE

West Indies Captain Holder has not been taking wickets nor making runs. If the captain does not lead from the front, it is possible that the performance of the team members can also drop. Holder has not been an effective captain either. He is too laid back and he is always late on making essential changes in the field.

Deverndra Bishoo must pick up wickets at regular intervals if not the West Indies can find themselves for another inning defeat.