Why can’t West Indies play any type of bowling?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

It seems that the West Indies (WI) batters can’t play spin and fast bowling. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think of a time when West Indian batters would be running away from fast bowling. The bookies are having a blast, we are guaranteed to lose by an innings at least. It used to be three test matches in a series, now it is two, soon it will be one and a half, then a half of a match. A great move to hire a sports psychologist to get into these fellas heads. If every batter aims to get a half century in runs by facing at least 150 deliveries, we’d cross 400, avoid the follow-on and frequently make the opponent bat a second time. Our dismissals are cheap, anything leg side and beyond fourth stump, let it go. If it’s a short ball, duck and let it go. If there is a lot of swing, play it with soft hands, the edge will drop short. Play the ball late, under the eyes, drive the ball in the V, protect the wicket with their lives, punish the opposition in the field.

Against spin, why aren’t West Indian batters playing the sweep shot, getting dismissed on the back foot too often. These guys need to practice the sweep shot against length deliveries, get to the pitch of the ball, take the spin out of the equation. Ian Bishop went from black to grey to bald lamenting West Indian batters not rotating strike, that’s Darren Sammy’s job. Another suggestion, have these guys consider using a lighter bat, a shorter handle, maybe a thicker or thinner handle, this is Avenesh Seeteram’s job. Selectors are at fault too. Why are we persisting with Jomel Warrican, when we have the likes of Bryan Charles who is a consistent performer ahead of Warrican? The injuries to Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph don’t help, but it is proof that we have a world-class bowling unit.

The on field execution and mentality is the issue, Lara is right, WI have to want it, want to win, want to play for West Indies, want to continuously improve. Dig deep gentlemen, the region deserves a win.

KENDELL KARAN

Chaguanas