I suspect that most cricket enthusiasts will abhor the comments which I now proffer, however, I am writing while watching play on the second day in the Test match between Australia and the West Indies with the score being Australia 477 for three wickets. A pitiful and painful experience which has made me more convinced of the following:
(1) The most obvious problem affecting West Indies cricket lies in the absence of attacking and penetrative bowlers, more especially fast bowlers who possess the art not only of maintaining good and varying pace but also the ability to swing the ball in both directions.
In this regard, perhaps there ought to be a study with the aim of determining the recently noticeable trait in the male of the species to countenance what may be termed “the hard work” involved in the game of cricket especially in the bowling department. Is this a reflection of what has been taking place in respect of males in the wider West Indian society?
(2) Faced with the possibility of having to make monumental scores by opposing sides, our batsmen are understandably at a psychological disadvantage which conveys a sense of resignation from the very outset of their innings.
(3) Let us be realistic and admit that the lure of massive perquisites being provided by professional outfits (whatever their origins) has been the most fundamental element in the almost demise of West Indies cricket and that changes in membership of boards and its administration alone will not assist in restoring the glory to which West Indians have become accustomed.
(4) It should be now clear that the present crop of our past Test players will be a dying breed in the professional leagues. Indeed, given the miserable performance of our make shift Test players, one cannot envisage, (apart from the unusual exception), they being offered contracts by these bodies—bodies with no formal national nexus.
(5) Control of the game in the region by Governments will not solve the deep-rooted problems now bedevilling our cricket. Indeed, I can see no long-term benefit being reaped simply by involving politicians therein. In fact, it could very well be the death knell of the game in these parts.
However, there is an urgent need to re-establish the once blossoming of talent from secondary schools which used to act as a feeder for national teams. In this regard therefore, it would be more beneficial were governments to provide the facilities for continuing development of the game. Proposals for possible involvement of politicians in the administration of the game should be resisted and allowed to die.
(6) Finally, I am wondering whether it would not serve West Indies cricket the better were our teams to be “suspended” from Test cricket for a period of five years, say. Continuing the present debacle could do nothing but harm the image, attraction and success of the game in these parts.
Errol O C Cupid,
Trincity, Tacarigua