Will
WI prove the statistical pundits wrong today?
When
many of us were beginning to give the West Indies a measure of legitimacy
in T20 cricket, the team has inexplicably slumped in the ICC rankings to number
8, ahead of only Bangladesh, Ireland and Zimbabwe.
At
the top of the Table is South Africa, followed by England at no 2, India at no
3, Sri Lanka at no 4, Pakistan at no 5, New Zealand at no 6 and Australia at no
7.
Despite
the overall improvements shown in the recent series played, WI have "statistically" fared no better in Test and ODI Championships,
stuck at position 7 in those versions of the game.
Is it that we are not improving - qualitatively
and quantitatively - fast enough? Is it that whatever improvements we make are being
overshadowed and surpassed by our rivals?
Later
today, West Indies (ranked no 8) will play the no 2 ranked team in T20 cricket in
a Super 8 clash. Indeed, we have strong batting lineup – perhaps the strongest -
on paper; but will we deliver?
The
matter is made more complex by our erratic bowling, notwithstanding the
presence of our mystery spinner who incidentally does not have an enviable
record against England. (I hope Narine reverses his fortunes against England
today!)
Although
in the final analysis, it is the on-field performance of a team which matters
- and indeed West Indies have the overwhelming potential to blast their way to
victory - I’m still keeping my fingers crossed! I’m not too confident about our
bowling, plus we all know that how often our batting has come crashing down! This time, I hope we get it scientifically and
psychologically right.
Ideally,
if Gayle and Charles can give us a perfect start and Pollard and Sammy can explode
in the final overs, we are in for a very good chance!
I
wish West Indies the best of luck and I pray that we win!
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