By David Jackson
The omission of Darren Bravo by the selectors,
from the ODI squad, came in for much criticism
throughout the region. Without Darren Bravo
the team defeated England in the first ODI, in a
remarkable run chase, led by their captain Shai
Hope who guided his team to victory, with a blistering
century.
The decision to include or exclude Bravo
was always a difficult one, but the selectors decided
to exclude him, preferring, it seems, to invest in the
younger players like Athanaze and Carty.
Athanaze, in a partnership with Brandon King gave the
West Indies a good start enabling them to go on to
bypass the 325 England made when they batted first.
Athanaze therefore, showed why the selectors have
so much faith in him. Carty went cheaply, but the
potential is still there for him to be given a long run with the
team.
Bravo’s case was a unique one. He has been
performing quite well in regional Tournaments. Despite
being the leading batsman in the recently concluded
Super50 Tournament, other factors negated his
chances of making the squad. For Bravo to be included
in the squad, Athanaze or Carty would most likely
have been omitted.
One decision is baffling though.
Shane Dowrich has announced his retirement from
International cricket, yet no replacement was named
in the ODI squad. A widely held view to justify Dowrich’s
inclusion is that he was selected as the second keeper to
fill in if Shai Hope picks up an injury and cannot perform
his role as keeper. Now that West Indies have won the
first ODI we probably may see them naming a back-up
keeper. Jahmar Hamilton could be that keeper.
By year-end the West Indies selectors are also expected
to name a 15-man squad for the Test series against
Australia. are scheduled to play two Tests, three ODIs
and three T201s on that tour to Australia. Let me,
however, concentrate on the Test series, which will be part of
the ICC World Championship for 2023-2024. These two
teams will also be contesting the Frank Worrell Trophy.
The Test series, which runs from the 17th of January to
the 21st of January, is expected to be a challenging
one for West Indies. Australia is ranked no. 2 in Test by
the ICC while West Indies still remains at no. 8.
It would be interesting to see what the composition
of the West Indies Test squad would be. The middleorder has been one of the worrying areas. Jermaine
Blackwood and Reifer, who have occupied the
crucial position of 3 and 4 have both been struggling
for runs. It’s, therefore, quite obvious that their places
in the Test team are under threat. Maybe Darren
Bravo, could well see himself being added to the
West Indies Test squad. He would undoubtedly
provide much needed experience in that middle
order.
Some may immediately say that it is unlikely that the selectors, having overlooked Darren Bravo for
the ODI series against England, would now consider
him for a Test recall. I do not share that view, and
here are several reasons why. Firstly, contrary to some
news reports, Bravo did not announce his retirement
from International cricket. He clearly stated that he is
considering stepping away for just a bit from regional
cricket. Secondly, my view is that Bravo still has that
burning desire to represent the West Indies and his eye
is most likely focused on Test cricket.
By not announcing his retirement he is probably
forcing the hand of the selectors to include him in
the Test squad for the series against Australia. Thirdly,
does his regional performances over the last few
seasons good enough to earn him a Test recall? He
does merit selection at this time. Bravo had proven
himself as one of the leading batsmen for West
Indies in Test cricket. Bravo, as a batsman, did quite
reasonably successful in the past for West Indies. He
has 7 Test centuries and 17 half centuries, with an
average of 36. For the present crop of batsmen none other
Kraigg Brathwaite has more centuries than Darren
Bravo. Bravo also has the second-highest average
in Test. Only Nkrumah Bonner has a higher average.
One hopes to see Bonner regain the form he had
previously, and gets another opportunity to represent
West Indies in Test.
Shai Hope is another batsman who should be in
consideration for a Test recall. Though his Test average
is below par, he has been maturing and developing
as a batsman and if he continues to perform so well
in ODIs, the selectors may well decide to include
him in the Test squad. He made his Test debut as a
21-year-old, having played just 14 first-class matches
at the time. Few in the Caribbean doubted his talent
as a batsman at the time, and many would forget
the two centuries he scored, one in each innings at
Headingley, England. At that the time he was only 23,
the youngest member of the XI, leading West Indies to
victory with scores of 147 and 118 not out.
The West Indies were faced with a target of 322
which they were able to bypass. It was
a remarkable victory especially given the fact that
West Indies had been dismantled only a week ago,
Isn’t it time that the selectors consider Hope for red
ball cricket?
It would be interesting to see the composition of
the West Indies Test squad to face Australia next
year. Let us hope the selectors get it right once more,
and select a Test squad that could be competitive
against what will most certainly be a very strong
Australia team next year.