Windies will rise again

Presently we are ranked No 8 out of ten in ICC world ranking.

How I long for the eighties when we had dominance in this area, feared by all, for our fast bowling and our consistent bating. I am one who holds the view that West Indies test cricket can rise again. In this light I would like to humbly make a few suggestions and while it may not give a sudden turn around I do believe it can assist in the process.

No 1. WICB and players must function as one unit: This has been a long existing problem where these two parties seem to always be at loggerheads with each other. It has become so bad that at times decisions taken by the WICB you wonder if it is not a personal vendetta at times.

Just as a house divided will not stand the same principle applies for any unit.

There must be better ways of solving disagreements and once there is a series we go out there truly united.

No 2. Play at all times the best team: We are the West Indies and the team is made up of players from several islands. This at times to me poses a slight problem for us; everyone would like to have players from their respective Country.

Maturity is needed here and what we want at all times is the best team. After all winning is our goal.

No 3. The competitive edge: In the past our competitive edge was our fast bowling. We need to once more develop genuine fast bowlers. In order for this to be accomplished we need quicker pitches in the Caribbean.

These types of wickets will be conducive to stroke play by our batsmen also.

No 4. Proper training for our youth coaches: It is at the youth level that players develop bad habits. A well trained coach can help rectify some of these bad habits and so produce a first class player.

Remember at test level we are competing against the best in the world.

No 5. West Indies cricket academy: In this academy a rounded player is the main goal.

General development such as: Learning the rudiments of the game, discipline, mental toughness, temperance and teamwork just to naming a few.

I do hope something is done positively to improve test cricket in the region. It begins with the WICB having the foresight to bring about lasting change

Andre Roberts Malick, Barataria