World Sport: West Indies v Pakistan Review

I consider myself an avid West Indies cricket fan but even I was not expecting much from this young West Indian team competing against this Experienced Pakistani team.. At best was hoping that they don’t embarrass themselves. I was truly impressed by the fight shown by the Jason Holder’s team. There were standouts like Shannon Gabriel, who I was concerned, would not be healthy for the entire series, not only did he remain fit for the entirety of the series but he put in a man of the match performance. On the downside, he needs to work on this discipline in regards bowling fewer no-balls, he’s over-stepping the front crease by a big margin and need to think about the match situation. It is inexcusable the attacking shot he attempted given West Indies was trying to save the test match. We shouldn’t blame Shannon too much because West Indies’ cricketers have a problem of assessing match situations, they could only play one way. Something himself and his team mates must work on. Same can’t be said for Roston Chase who was the stand out player for West Indies, he assessed the situation everything he came out to bat and his hunger for runs and application was a joy to watch.

That was the good, here’s the bad; Vishal Singh looks at sea at test cricket, especially facing the Pakistan seamers’. Jason Holder needs to contribute more as a bowler if he’s picked as a bowler, he got better in the last two test matches, need to continue to improve. I really like these two youngsters; Shimron Hetmyer and  Alzarri Joseph who has a lot of promise and the selectors and coaching staff must keep faith in them. Shai Hope may not be young as the gentlemen that I mentioned above but I see a batsman with a lot quality and ability, needs to push on. I have to say the biggest disappointment has to be Kraigg Brathwaite who failed to score at least a half-century, which is not good enough for your one of your top batsmen. His fellow opening batsman Kieran Powell can be forgiven given he last played a test match before this series, 6 years ago but he really need to convert 30’s and 40’s into big scores. Shane Dowrich is another player who performed below his standards. He really needs to improve his glove work as well as become more consistent with the bat.

Overall it was a great performance by the team to draw the series when it was predicted by all the experts that it would be a white wash. Let’s hope all facets of the game is improved especially the fielding. I am not going to say West Indies is turning the corner but if anything we are having a peek.