by Jatin Patel | Jul 15, 2023 | Uncategorized
India are in a strong position. They moved their overnight score of 80/0 to end 312/2 , a lead of 162. It was a historic day for the 21 year old Indian opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal , who scored a century on his debut. In doing so he became the first Indian to score a century on his debut in the Caribbean , at the end of the day he was 143 not out. He has so far faced 350 deliveries. He reminds me of the left handed Sunil Gavasker. Congratulations 🎉 .Well done . Planning, determination, endurance were the keys factor that helped him achieve his goal thus far and he is not finished yet.
Back to the match Rohit Sharma completed his century, before being caught by the wicket keeper Da Silva off the bowling of debutant Alick Athanaze for 103 and Subman Gill was brilliantly caught at slip off Warrican for 6 by Athanaze.
All in all, The West Indies were able to restrict India to 232 runs in the day, though some time was lost for rain. The WI lost the services of Rahkeem Cornwall , his being off the field for most of the day.
It was a rare sight to see Virat Kholi struggling at a run rate of37.50.
At the end of the day, India were well on top and could well pile on the runs and set West Indies a target in excess 350+ to save the game. Best wishes Rahkeem. Get well soon
By Leon Francis
by Jatin Patel | Jul 15, 2023 | Uncategorized
Days 1 and 2 are behind us in the first test match between West Indies and India, playing in Roseau, Dominica. Day one, undoubtedly belongs to the Indians, and more specifically, Ravi Ashwin 5 wickets for 60 runs, and Ravindra Jadeja 3 wickets for 26 runs. The low light for the West Indies shone, or should I say, twinkled a little due to the fighting test match debut innings of Alick Athenaze, who was the leading batter with 47 runs. And the often-overlooked West Indian, Rahkeem Cornwall chipped in with the next highest run total of 19 runs not out. West Indies were all out for 150 runs.
The star of India shone most brightly for test new boy, Yashasvi Jaiswal who showed quality, class and finesse with a very sparkling innings and a debut test century. He was 143 runs not out at close of play on day two. Jaiswal was supported and encouraged by captain Rohit Sharma, who not unexpectedly, scored another test century of 103 runs. Sharma and Shubman Gill (6 runs) are the two Indian batters who are out. India at close of play on day two had scored 312 runs for 2 wickets with Virat Kohli not out on 36 along with Jaiswal. West Indies captain Brathwaite used 9 different bowlers in his attempt to break through the Indian batters. But thus far India are fully in the driving seat.
On the flip side, long-suffering West Indies supporters must be wondering how many more years of these disappointing performances they can accept from their team. In the past 2 years from August 2021 to August 2023, well, almost two years. West Indies have won a total of 5 test matches, 2 versus Bangladesh, 1 each against Zimbabwe, Pakistan, and England. Meanwhile, West Indies Coaches have been changed, fired, or retired. Team’s selectors have come and gone too.
However, one player above many has been repeatedly selected as the most important and impactful of the entire West Indies test eleven. That player is Jason Holder. In the period from August 2021 up to today, Jason has had 18 test innings. He has scored a total of 307 runs. Average 18 runs per innings with one not out of 81 runs. His wicket total in the period (20 bowling innings) is 15 wickets for 777 runs, average of 51.8 runs per wicket.
These numbers, call them statistics if you prefer. They don’t lie, neither are they misleading. The numbers shout volumes. I am neither hard of hearing nor devoid of speech. Loud and clear I am asking, why and how is it that this unproductive Jason Holder, is still holding on to a coveted place in this West Indies test team?
By Dennis Heath
by Jatin Patel | Jun 26, 2023 | Uncategorized
By Dennis Heath,
The noise was electric, it rose to a crescendo as the Zimbabwe team took full advantage of an inept West Indies series of blunders and dropped catches. The Zimbabwe choir, for such was the appearance, drummed, sung, and danced as Raza and company watched the ball strike or flew over the boundary markers.
West Indies bowling attack performed admirably to restrict Zimbabwe batters to 269 runs. This total was bolstered by the many fielding missteps and the occasional bad delivery from West Indies bowlers. Quite noticeable to these eyes, the field placings by the West Indies captain appeared to be inappropriately attacking throughout the Zimbabwe innings, thus giving plenty of gaps for the batters to exploit.
West Indies bowlers, for the most part, performed admirably. But their impetus was shredded often due to the poor field setting, the amateurish and juvenile fielding performance of professional cricket T20 players. In fact, the sloppiness had a noticeable effect on at least one West Indian bowler. Fast attack bowler, Alzarri Joseph, was the tip of the attacking bowler’s spear, quite unfortunately each time the spear struck, the effect was countered by the many dropped or mis-handled catches. Alzarri visibly reacted, he hung his head, he shrugged his shoulders and at times, I believe that I could read his thoughts.
Finally, Joseph dropped his six-foot frame to the turf. He rose and took his fielding position on the boundary line and demonstrated how it should be done by taking two brilliant catches near the boundary line. Shortly thereafter, Alzarri completed his overs allotment with seven or six overs remaining in the Zimbabwe innings, he promptly left the field of play and the substitute fielder appeared. There was no sign of an injury or otherwise, except for maybe his pride. Was that a display of petulance?
Whilst it was clear that the performance of the West Indies team fielders was shockingly awful, this show of petulance, if that is what it was, is unacceptable. Team players have a duty to show respect and support in good times and bad, and certainly when in public, however badly your teammates performed. I think that it is described as leadership.
As for the match, the crescendo of noise and happiness from Zimbabwe supporters showed their delight that their team had defeated the once mighty West Indies team. The result matters not at this stage because West Indies will move to the Super Six round. But based on West Indies historical performance in these Qualifier matches. It is very likely that more shocks may be in store for West Indies supporters. I will keep my fingers crossed.
>>>> By Leon Francis
WI loss to Zimbabwe today is a wake up call for the new coach Sammy.This is his first loss since he took up the role at the helm. Up to date, the WI fielding and catching in particular have been appalling. This is a situation that has to be fixed immediately. Despite the drop catches, 269 was gettable. Charles has a poor run and should be replaced by Carty. I would venture to bring in Sheppard for Powell, he to has lost his confidence. All is not loss yet, they will come up against The Netherlands with a win; to ensure finishing in the top three in the group. WI will have to go back to the drawing board and come up with a plan of action.
Back to the game , why was the referral system not used in the Pooran’s decision ? In such vital matches all possible measures should be put in place in order to ensure that correct decisions are made.
For the life of me why was Powell promoted ahead of Holder?
Nevertheless, the WI has got to blame themselves for this defeat today and have to put this behind them and come back fighting on all cylinders henceforth.
by Jatin Patel | Jun 24, 2023 | Uncategorized
The West Indies winning steak under the leadership of coach Daren Sammy continues. The victory over Nepal, by 101 runs was convincing, though not flawless. It was. however , enough to put the team at the top of the tables in group A by a superior net run rate.
At the top of the order, Kyle Mayers and Johnson Charles fail to impress; together they scored 1 and 0. This is a major problem and must be corrected immediately. Against higher ranked teams, they may not get away with it. Also they have to minimize bowling wides and no balls; especially when a batter should have been dismissed ; only to see the umpire’s out stretched arm. The fielding an catching; left much to be desired. but for the magnificent catch by Keacy Carty on the boundry line. .
On a brighter note, the two magnificent centuries by skipper Shai Hope 132 from 132 deliveries and the other by former skipper Nicholas Pooran, 115 from 94 deliveries , help the Windies pass the three hundred mark. The total of 339 was more than enough for the hapless Nepal team.
WI will take on Zimbabwe next, this is going to be a must stay awake early Saturday morning for all WI/ Zimbabwe supporters and will determine the table leader.
I have seen some marked improvement , but the WI has much more progress to make to be world beaters again.
Compiled by Leon Francis
by Jatin Patel | Jun 24, 2023 | Uncategorized
Half-way ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier, West Indies, and Zimbabwe, the 2 undefeated teams in group “A” are leaders. Both teams have almost identical match statistics, and the winner of their group match scheduled for Sunday, will book one of the first slots in the Super Six stage.
At any rate, very likely Zimbabwe and the West Indies are on track to advance… If Netherlands defeat Nepal in their next match, Netherlands will advance as both Nepal and the United States will mathematically be eliminated.
In group B, Ireland and UAE are the winless teams after 2 matches. Thus, Oman, Sri Lanka and Scotland are mathematically and on current forms are the teams likely to advance from this group. At this stage, after 10 qualifier matches, we have witnessed excitement, drama, outstanding individual and collective team performances. So, stay alert and expect much more to come.
The Women’s Ashes single test Match is underway. Australia at close of play on day one, has scored 328 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. England has bowled 85 overs despite rain interruption. Good going England. Australian batter, Elyse Perry’s unfortunate dismissal on 99 runs, together with Tahlia McGrath (61 runs), Ashleigh Gardener (40 runs) and Annabel Sutherland (39 runs) not out, have generated much excitement for Australia.
On the English side, Sophie Ecclestone (3/71) and new teammate, Lauren Filer (2/65), have kept the Australians in check. Australia appears likely to resume their innings tomorrow, and work to add at least another 100 runs to their total. The Women’s Test matches are now played over 5 days. Stay watchful and alert, more excitement is in the cards.
Complied by Dennis Heath,,
