WI need mental help says Murray

Cricket commentator Colin Murray agrees with West Indies skipper Brian Lara that the West Indies team needs a psychologist. Murray, who skippered the Trinidad and Tobago Under-19 team in the 1970s said he cannot understand how on one day the regional cricketers can play as world champions and the next they seem out of place in the Test arena.

“Something has to be seriously affecting the performances of the players as they are a very talented bunch of cricketers. I agree with the captain when he says that what is really needed is for the guys to get some sought of mental help so that they can play better cricket at a consistent level,” the Carib Beer Public Relations Manager said. The West Indies have lost seven of their last eight Test matches against England and were whitewashed 4-0 in the recent series.

Among the bright sports was the emergence of Trinidadian Dwayne Bravo as a top class allrounder, playing in his first Test series. “This slide in the fortunes of the team just cannot continue and the authorities in charge should look at the team and assess their shortcomings and see what measures can be taken to save them from further disgrace,” Murray said. The next assignment for the Caribbean cricketers is the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy tournament in England starting in mid-September. The West Indies are grouped with South Africa and Bangladesh and must defeat both teams for a chance of making the semi-final round. They reached the final of the first “Mini World Cup” in Bangladesh in 1998 but have since then failed to make an impact in the tournament.