Darren Sammy gave West Indian fans and supporters a rare sight of good positive batting display when he blasted an unbeaten 58 against South Africa in a losing cause during the second of the 5 ODI match series. When it looked rather impossible for West Indies to save off another ignominious defeat, Sammy took the game into his hands and had the crowd jumping with joy as he threatened to win the match all by himself.

West Indies started the game looking as if they needed a miracle in order to win a match on this tour by South Africa. The identical pattern of repetitive play got underway and it was not long before the visitors were cruising along steadily on an easy-paced wicket. They took their score to 300 in 50 overs with Hashim Amla 92 and Jacques Kallis 85, scoring heavily against a bowling attack that lacked discipline and penetration. Some late order hitting by David Miller really brought some spice into a rather boring inning.

South Africa on the other hand started and quickly removed the dangerous Chris Gayle. The penetration continued despite of a good 51 from Dale Richards and a typical 79 from Dwayne Bravo. It all seemed lost before Darren Sammy lead a vicious counter attack with some West Indian like hitting, batting like which seemed long forgotten. He lifted his team to within striking distance and showed us all that it is not all over for our team as far as determination, courage and winning is concerned. I believe if West Indies had two more players who give to their team 100% like Sammy and Bravo does, those victorious days for our team could again return.

As good as Sammy's performance was, it is rather unlikely the West Indies will attain any major accomplishment in this series. Our players look lost and forlorn while the visible mental and physical fatigue is blinding. Fifteen years in the slums and the great strides our team made in the past, is lacking beyond reasonable scope for change.

The term "cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties" somehow do not seem to be applicable to our team. There are more certainties of failures than there should be for a team that once dominated world cricket.

The series is far from over and it won't be surprising if we become the first team to be whitewashed on home soil, in all three formats of the game. Captain Gayle, no doubt, will try his best to secure some victory.