WI T20 stars absence from test cricket being hotly debated

[Peter R]

The basics of the talent is there...and that can continue to be developed. What has been missing in their prior development is , IMO, instilling mental fortitude. We made 280 odd (?) in the 2nd innings of the second test, and half of the outs were batsmen giving away their wicket. A little more patience and application we could have gone into the fifth day and made at least 350.

The players each need a personal video of how each has gotten out over the last little while... and work on the mental lapses. Being beaten by a good ball is different than simply crossbatting when you're in your teens. When you make 100 then you can play those kinds of shots.

The new opener Chandrika bat slow no rath, but demonstrated IMO the kind of thing that is required.

Anyway, I will be watching because we haffi win one match sooner or later.

[Islandman]

I agree, when I say no talent I don't mean that there is no natural talent left in the region. I mean no talent that has been developed to a stage where you could say the starting 11 or any other variation currently available has any chance against a top test team. Australia are going through the motions and winning without any contest.

That said, I slowly came to the conclusion some time ago that the super talent pool of the so called glory years were something of a fluke, I don't think WI cricket was run that different but the stars were aligned in our favor for a while. In some ways it has become a burden that WI cricket since then will never forget but will never see again unless there is some other fundamental shift in the game outside of our control that make it at least remotely possible.

[Peter R]

That, and the rest of the world caught up with us. I remember seeing Australian and English cricketers in the 70s with beer bellies and quite heavy. There were few if any West Indians like that. As cricketers we were naturally more athletic and in general better shape than most other playing nations. Now, every man fit trim and in every sense a well-trained athlete. Beer belly gone.

What the Aussies also did for example, was to make a "scientific" study of who did what best and began to train and mould their players after those who were so identified. I think they used Desmond Haynes (not 100% sure) as the model for the perfect cover drive, for example. The Brits then cut off the number of foreigners in their leagues, so many of our better players were deprived of that "training ground".

The increase in competition from basketball, football being played year round and other sports as well, coupled with the sedentariness-inducing videogames, internet etc. etc. for many of the youth.

So yes, the glory years are behind us and we diehards are still yearning (futilely ?) for a miraculous resurgence. We can only hope... all I really ask is for the team to compete and not roll over.

[Gamma]

They are developing am ambidexterity in fielding, bowling and batting as we speak. Glenn Maxwell is not a fluke

[Peter R]

West Indies losing and unfair game.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/australi...ry/957013.html

Holder wants fairer test match wages. (BTW when since Russell bowling 150kph? )
http://www.espncricinfo.com/australi...ry/957183.html

[Islandman]

I much prefer these approaches to the problem. More productive and reasonable than trying to guilt players to give up thier chance at financial stability in the name of patriotism.

PeterR I always remember a post you made some time ago about Marlon Samuels when he had the eye injury. No matter your talent level all it takes is one injury or misfortune to end your career.