Sunday 04, April-2004

APRIL 3, 2004 – A dismal day in the history of West Indies cricket and West Indian pride.

We don’t mind losing . . . but yesterday we were humiliated in our own backyard . . . that hurt. Real bad.

England beat us by eight wickets and took the Cable & Wireless Test series retaining the Wisden trophy.

Yesterday, we saw grown men and women cry (West Indians), as the British beat their breasts and pranced in our streets . . . the day they had waited so long for, had come after 36 years.

After the debacle in Sabina Park where the team fell for 47 all out and the subsequent spectacle in the mound, where four players were spotted partying, the least that West Indies could have done was take stock.

Forty-seven all out – Jamaica.

Ninety-four all out – Barbados.

In addition, the fact that three or four West Indies batsmen surrendered their wickets in identical fashion on at least four occasions, during the series, certainly justifies an enquiry.

How could West Indies be bowled out for 94 and England, with batsmen of no superior reputation, lose only two wickets on the same pitch, to secure victory.

What steps has the coach, for example, taken to cure this cancer. We want to know. Enough is enough, we say.

There is no more time for loose words. The Vice- President’s Committee must come up with decisive plans for the restructuring of the management of the team and West Indies cricket.

The West Indies Cricket Board can no longer exist in its present form; representation of every territory is democratic, but is obviously unsuited to achieving the desired results.

There must be a separation of business and operational functions. That is clear.

The selection panel should be full time and take critical leadership in the development of the game-plan.

Many will abhor any decision to recruit a foreign-based coach, but the performance of the team to date tells us that surely this is the way to go.

We’re sure West Indians are not prepared to let sentiment override decisions that must be made and made now.

We can no longer afford part-time executives, or amateur players.

To have surrendered a 36-year winning history so callously is nothing less than scandalous!

We will not tolerate any more.

Let’s start an enquiry today!

Compliments of the Nation News

Caribbean Cricket

Sporting islands

BARBADOS