Our cricketers head off to England for a series that is expected to be a test of character for all involved. In what could be a different era starting with basically the same team, all eyes will be open to witness what differences there hopefully will be. A new captain, vice captain and management team is on board for this U K tour, where challenges will certainly be presented. It shouldn’t be long before we assert whether or not they are heading in the same direction.
Let me first endorse the decision by the selectors to exclude both Marlon Samuels and Dwayne Smith from the team. I believe other senior players who were part of the World Cup 2007 squad should also have been discarded.
The return of Runako Morton to the team is positive, the inclusion of Daren Sammy and Ravi Rampaul was expected while Sylvester Joseph gets another opportunity to make an impression at the highest level.
The choice of Ramnaresh Sarwan and Daren Ganga as captain and vice captain respectively, is a good move, although I would have preferred if it were the other way around. It’s absolutely imperative that these two develop and nurture good and positive relationships between themselves and with the players, in order to maximize team spirit that could bring ultimate success.
With Mike Findlay as manager and other new management staff, one has to give some time to assess the situation and see if there is any significant difference in approach or attitude towards the game. Certainly, it cannot be business as usual as we have been accustomed to over the past few years.
Expecting instant changes in performances is not realistically expected. One, however, hopes the comradery displayed on the field of play when Sarwan lead the team to victory against Australia, will become more of habit than the exception. If that takes place, it is likely that we’ll see improved performances as well, and the success that has long been lacking could return in due course.
All eyes will be looking with interest for a West Indies without Brian Lara. My feeling tells me that things will get better but each and every player will have to pull his weight while captain and vice captain will have to show great character and mettle. It won’t be easy as captain Sarwan will have to lead as a batsman, motivator, leader and diplomat. This could affect has batting and ultimately the pressure might be an extra burden.
On the other hand, if one has to judge by the relationship Lara had with the team, Sarwan might have an easier task of leading than many might expect. However, with a group of players who have displayed personal preferences over team success, the newly found co-operation if it bears fruit, could very well be short lived.
