Monday 05, April-2004

It happened right before his eyes, in his own backyard, and cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers believes West Indies are paying the price for taking England lightly.

He said he just couldn’t understand what transpired at Kensington Oval on Saturday evening.

“What is happening is difficult to understand,” said Sir Garfield. “Coming back from South Africa, where they did so well with the bat, and not seeing the England bowlers they probably underestimated them.”

The tourists secured their first Test series victory in the Caribbean since 1968 with Saturday’s eight-wicket win in Barbados.

Ironically Sir Garfield was the captain 36 years ago when England, under Colin Cowdrey last triumphed in the Caribbean. West Indies declared twice in the fourth match in Trinidad and England won, taking the series 1-0.

Brian Lara’s side suffered a 3-0 defeat in South Africa prior to England’s visit, but scored eight centuries in a high-scoring four-Test series.

In contrast, West Indies were bowled out for a record low 47 by England in the first Test and tumbled to a Barbados record 94 all out in the third.

West Indies lost by ten wickets at Sabina Park, seven wickets at Queen’s Park Oval, and eight wickets at Kensington Oval.

“They have a lot of ability, they are a very good team,” Sir Garfield said.

The 67-year-old legend rejected calls that Lara should be replaced as captain even though his team could concede their first ever series whitewash at home.

“Who do you have to replace him? There are some players in the team but they have not reached the standard yet that they can replace Brian Lara,” Sir Garfield said.

“England have been on the right track for four or five years and they will continue to improve,” he said. “They have gone from bringing back the older players when things go wrong, to sticking with younger players.”

Compliments of the Nation News

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