New Look West Indies, Same result

The new look West Indies (temporary in my opinion) had mixed results over the past few days.  In the first match against Pakistan, the only T20, they finally defeated Pakistan.  However, in the first ODI, Pakistan proved that their 10 wicket win in the World Cup quarters was no fluke by brushing the West Indies aside by 10 wickets with over 8 overs (48+ balls) to go.

In the lone T20, on April 21, 2011, West Indies made 150-7 from their allotted 20, with in-form Simmons scoring 65, and T&T teammate DM Bravo adding 42.  Guyanese, Bishoo, then took 4-17 to restrict the visitors (Pakistan) to 143-9 from their 20, giving the West Indies a 7-run win.

Things did not go well for the West Indies in the ODI, however, as the Pakistani spinners restricted the West Indies to 221-6 from 50.  Pakistan, in turn, had good batting from the start and were never in any danger, cruising to 222-2 from 41 overs and 3 balls.

West Indies await life from Marlon Samuels who returned to the West Indies side for the Pakistan tour after over 2 years.  He served a 2-year cricket ban for contacts with an Indian bookmaker, which is considered illegal.  He has maintained his innocence and felt he was treated unfairly by the ICC.

However, there are some potential positives.  If Marlon settles down and Barath returns, even this team can compete.  However, they need the seniors (Gayle, Chanderpaul, Sarwan, Nash)  later on, even if they don’t play every game.   They can phase them out gradually but this is certainly not the way to do it.  Remember that Gayle and Sarwan are not too old and still very productive, Gayle more so than anyone in the past few years.