West Indies down, but not out

THE EDITOR: It was a riveting five-day Test. Brian Lara scores his first test 100 on his home ground — oh yes, all symphony and class. Lara’s battle with the indomitable Brett Lee was Test match cricket at its zenith. At 210-3 on the final day at lunch, we were on the way to a miraculous victory. Suddenly, hundreds of workers all over the country take ‘half day’ and head down to the Oval.

In the Press Box, Veteran Guyanese commentator Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira warns me, “It isn’t over yet.” By 4 pm, it was all over, Sarwan’s careless hook shot pitates a dramatic collapse. The Australians celebrate, West Indian fans are terribly crestfallen. I remain numb for about 20 minutes in the Press Box after pacer Jason Gillepsie delivered the final rites. The game is over. Steve Waugh retains the coveted Sir Frank Worrel trophy. There are heated verbal exchanges by West Indian cricket fans on the field. Lara is generous to his players in the press conference. But I believe we need changes for the 3rd Test in Barbados. Providing they are fit, here is my starting eleven:— Chris Gayle, D Ganga, R Sarwan, B Lara, S Chanderpaul, M Samuels, R Jacobs, V Drakes, M Dillon, Tino Best, J Lawson

I have faith in the words and music of David Rudder:- “Soon we must take a side or be left in the rubble, In a divided world that don’t need islands no more Are we doomed forever to be at somebody’s mercy Little keys can open up mighty doors Rally around the West Indies now and forever”.

REZA ABASALI
Barataria