Windies selectors must use caution!

Windies selectors must use caution!
AP Photo/Andres Leighton, file

West Indies selectors must be much more cautious and use much more discretion when selecting the West Indies squad. This is especially important as the head coach serves as master of ceremony in the selection of the final 11.

The overall management of the West Indies cricket and decision making bodies do not reflect the professional ingredient of the sport. West Indies cricket needs restructuring at every level. Some steps have been made to create changes but there are too much of “do this for me and I will do that for you.” The interest of building cricket to a higher level and creating systems to boost the confidence and morale of youths seem to be non existent. Too many cricketers have been just passing through on the field. Selectors have shredded the names of many cricketers because of a few failures.

Twenty20 Cricket has Reshaped the Cricket World

The introduction of Twenty20 cricket has revolutionized the cricket world and it was important that cricket boards throughout the world put in place proper structures to keep Test cricket alive. The shorter version is much more attractive financially and the majority of players have been attracted to that arena. Inspite of the West Indies being world champions in Twenty20, it is a great opportunity for them to be world champions in Test cricket as well. The last two occasions West Indies met with Australia in Tests, the West Indies should have played tougher cricket and come out as winners!

Australia, India and England and even Pakistan are the Test teams to be beaten before the West Indies can rise in the hierarchy of Test standings. The West Indies selectors have been side lining too many talented players after a few failures. Those players must not be dropped from the team. Coaches ought to work harder with those players and give them guidance.