Lack of dominant attacking batsmen hurting West Indies

England vs West Indies 2020, 2nd Test: West Indies Predicted XI

West Indies only looked comfortable when they were scoring. Blackwood and Brooks showed the way. That was the only period on the fifth day that the Windies seems like they had any chance of saving the match.West Indies needs more batsmen who are free scoring stroke players because scoring runs is what put opposing teams under pressure. It forces bowlers to change their lines and compels opposition captains to adjust players in the field. 

The way West Indies surrendered the second test match against England, even after an entire day was lost to rain,  is disappointing. Losing by 113 runs and none  of the top order batsmen doing anything significantly is a cause for concern. Prodding and deflecting has its pace in the game but sometimes attack is the best form of defence. Blackwood showed what playing a few shots can do. The forward short leg was removed, players went on the boundary and he was able to get easy singles. Where is Nicholas Pooran? He needs to be playing test cricket. He has a very good technique. He is attacking and plays spin and pace well.

Where is the West Indies identity? Where is the West Indies philosophy? I grew up watching good  West Indies batsmen that were  great stroke players, free scoring that were counter attacking and put bowlers under pressure.

West Indies cricket has always been associated with great attacking  and flamboyant players that played the West Indies way. West Indies would never have won the first test at Southampton without Blackwood attacking 95. 


Yes we need the players like Kraigg Braithwaite however West Indies needs to start selecting good  attacking players for the test team. Number three and four positions should be occupied by batsmen who are dominant and have the capacity to  take on the best bowling attack in the world, not persons who are tentative and are unable to get the ball off the square. Players that play positively and score quickly are of great value. They will win matches and prevent defeat. 

Correspondent 

C.W.Forrest


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