Runako Morton and Denesh Ramdin secured for themselves scores of 201 and 131 respectively against MCC, to boost the morale of the West Indies team after their record drubbing by an innings and 283 runs at Headingley. All other batsmen spent some time at the wicket as 534 runs were amassed in reply to MCC’s first innings score of 260.
West Indies go into the 3rd test at Old Trafford with Daren Ganga as captain because Ramnaresh Sarwan was forced to return home after damaging himself while fielding on the first day of the Headingley test.
This no doubt will weaken the Windies batting and although Shivnarine Chanderpaul will return to the team, it cannot be a comfortable feeling at this present time.
Other injuries to players have cast more dark shadows over the team. Chris Gayle who injured himself in the MCC match will be eyed with great concern especially as he has not gotten many runs on the tour so far. Marlon Samuels who replaced Sarwan will also be under the microscope and will be trying to get into the final eleven to prove a point to the selectors.
However, this could be the match where Runako will take on the responsibility and be counted. His second century of the tour with his highest individual score should be the motivator for a grand performance at the highest level. All the other batsmen will also be looking to cash in at Old Trafford as the team looks to rebound.
Another huge concern is the bowling attack that seems unable to get wickets at regular intervals. The thought of gambling with Fidel Edwards must be as close to reality as anything else. Jerome Taylor and Daren Powell seems likely to retain their places but Cory Collymore should be dropped in order give the quickest bowler on tour an opportunity to showcase his ability.
Daren Sammy is another player who is needed in the team and one will expect him to play, especially as his batting capabilities have been tested and proven to be positive. Sylvester Joseph who came into the second test when Chanderpaul was unable to play did not contribute enough to ensure his place and Sammy could very well be of better use in this test.
Our fielding cannot improve over night therefore the sloppiness and dropped catches is expected to plague the team to a certain extent. The least said about this aspect of the game the better it will be.
There should be no problems with the captaincy as Daren Ganga is quite capable of handling the ship. Whether he takes it through the rough seas or runs it aground, he will certainly lead with confidence and give it his best shot.
Realistically, though, beating or drawing with England in the 3rd test will be a tough challenge. This present West Indies team calls for much more than what we’ve been seeing and hearing.
I’ll be hoping for some wonderful cricket from both teams and expect our boys to perform to the point that will do us all proud.
