Editor: West Indies cricket continues to be the talk of the town. Today, it is the discussion concerning the latest development in respect to captaincy. The resignation of Kraigg Braithwaite as test captain, and the removal of Rovman Powell as the T20 captain are the latest developments. We know that Shai Hope is given the captaincy for the T20 team along with being the captain of the ODI side. However, we are yet to hear who will replace Kraigg as the test captain. There is speculation as to who should become the test captain; time will tell as to who will it be.
Analysing the two gentlemen and their time as captain is not conclusive. For Braithwaite, there are those who claim his performance has fallen and should not represent West Indies, and for Powell, his captaincy has fallen short. Braithwaite as a captain did a fair job, and Powell as a captain is my belief that he was removed not just because of his average performance both as a player and a captain, but there is more to it, that I believe is internal.
For when we look at the T20 series at Arnos Vale against Bangladesh, the performance of the West Indies team has left much speculation as to what were the causes of such performances where they played like school boys learning the game. Could it be that there were internal problems that accounted for such dismal performances? The two former captains, I sense, would retain their place as players.
Coming closer home. It is so unfortunate that our standard of cricket has fallen so low. We no longer have players who can knock on the door of West Indies selectors for a spot on the team. I remember quite well, we always had both batsmen and bowlers who could have made West Indies team, but today, looking around we ask the question, “ where are the players who can make West Indies”?
Sunil Ambris at one time was our star, but having had his chances he failed, and now his performance is not anything note worthy. In terms of bowlers, no one comes to mind who can command a place on West Indies team in any format. So what is wrong is the question that needs to be answered.
This is something the SVG Cricket Association needs to seriously look at. Our young people and children need to be attracted to the game. So, efforts need to be in place in reviving cricket at the grass root level. Revive the primary school cricket. Have some education and coaching along this area. Parents also must encourage their children in the sports, while, not abandoning their academics.
It is time to have cricketers from SVG that we can be justly proud of knocking on the doors of West Indies selectors and let us see an increase in the performances of our cricketers in the Windward Island.
Kennard King
