BUOYANT WEST INDIES GARNER PLENTY POSITIVES AGAINST ENGLAND By Ravendra Madholall in Toronto It was an absolute, defining revelation of West Indies’ readiness to defend their International Cricket Council T20 World Cup title which starts on Sunday in Bangladesh. Perhaps there is a general sense of satisfaction for head Coach Ottis Gibson after his team triumphed over England with a series win, 2-1 despite that agonising culmination on Thursday at Kensington Oval, Barbados. They lost by six runs but the previous two encounters were adequate enough to boost their confidence for the more prestigious occasion. No huge surprise that the Caribbean boys always bombarded with relentless criticisms whenever they playing test cricket. For majority of the T20 series though, their adorable fans would have loved their performances in both aspects of the game, compliments of some fine,all-round display. It was indisputably captivating and the same fans are now in the mood of optimism that this unit will bring more glory to the region that is salivating for it. Having accumulated a competitive 170-3 from the allocation of 20-overs in the first game against the Englishmen, it immediately signalled West Indies’ preparations and that would have lifted their spirit immensely. Certainly it was an excellent batting effort, and once Chris Gayle, their principalbatsman in this version, and the flamboyantDwayne Smith can reproduce that sort of solid foundation, big totals are predicted. In the clash, the bowlers probably inspired also made a good impact restricting the oppositions for 143-9 when the overs expired indicative of the spin-pace combination ready to compete with these powerhouses. Feisty crowd of course was very supportive at the spectacular venue much to the delight of those loyal followers too. The victorious start was not highly expected but West Indies played to their true potential and maintained that same degree of momentum for the next engagement. The approach in the second T20 contest was very meticulous from the tourists and they showed strong eagerness as the game progressed to rebound to level things up. A target of 152-7 off the full quota of overs never seemed daunting as the hosts replied with victory in the penultimate over. Darren Sammy played a cameo that will last in the memory of spectators for a long time. That enterprising innings was enough to seal the deal with a man-of-the-series award. The skipper obviously led from the front and that will be a great impetus for him and by extension the team. Even the preceding three-match one-day series, which was held in Antigua and Barbuda gave the West Indies side plenty positives to take out. Notably, England emerged as the champion country with a 2-1 margin. They (WI) were confident as demonstrated during the series but there was a greater desirability to succeed in the shortest version. Many may have agreed that the only real blemish in the T20 matches was not able to surpass that gettable 165 made by England in the final collision. They have vindicated to the world they are a champion so far but only time will tell. Both England and West Indies have held on to the world trophy for the past four years. England beat Australia to win the title 2010 while West Indies dethroned them two years later in Sri Lanka. The admirable, individual brilliance is now an encouraging factor but Sammy usually lauds a collective effort. The significance of the series win will add to the psychological facet of their game in Bangladesh. They are the number one team since defeating Sri Lanka in that unforgettable final two years ago. The coach can certainly guarantee more impressive performances especially from Gayle, who has been in good form, while the prolific Smith is also capable of dominating from the first ball. The batting will revolve around them along with Marlon Samuel, Lendl Simmons and Dwayne Bravo. If there are great expectations from these quality T20 batsmen, the bowling provides equal hopes as well. The responsibility is on the slower bowlers to do the trick on these typical dusty pitches. Once they physically and mentally prepared, as it appeared, the same trophy can still be in their possession at least for the next two consecutive years with great pride.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 19:44:09 +0000
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