Former world beaters Windies in limbo

By Delvon McEwan

Former powerhouse and world beaters West Indies will engage number three ranked side India in five One Day Internationals starting on Friday at Queen’s Park Oval in the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
However, judging from the West Indies continuous decline in the international arena, the big question is whether this series would be a walk in the park for the visitors as has been the case for several touring sides in recent years, especially in the limited over formats.
Could an inexperience West Indies unit compete with their confident Indian counterparts? Can the hosts manage a win? Would the hosts bowling be of concern to the visiting batsmen? Will the local batsmen manage to set competitive totals? These are some of the key questions that will be answered as the series unwraps.
Led by the talented Virat Kohli, the Indians will be aiming to complete a whitewash against their counterparts, who are placed at number nine in the ODI rankings. India arrives here snarling after being defeated by arch rival Pakistan.
But isn’t the West Indies are known for springing surprises when it matters most. One example is the stunning of the cricket world in 2004 to win the ICC Champions Trophy in England. Another is the journey to the said tournament in 2006 after having to play in the qualifiers.
However, a lot has changed since then and poor administrative policies and withdrawal of senior players’ among other issues have ensured dismal returns from the Caribbean lads and fans of the team.
In searching for another reason for the downfall of the Maroon Caps one just needs to point to the rapid evolution of cricket in other territories. Compare the investment by England, South Africa, India and Australia, their facilities and developmental programmes and the picture of why we are lagging behind becomes clearer.
Last year West Indies narrowly missed out on qualifying for the recently concluded Champions Trophy which was won by Pakistan. Their absence was a major injury to fans at home and around the world who have become addicted to the `calypso cricket`.
While that event was being played West Indies, almost in regulated style took on minnows Afghanistan, who managed to win the opener before the three match series ended in a draw. Put that against the backdrop of our last ODI series victory while opposing a full-member team being in 2012 against New Zealand
It is hard to believe that the 1975 and 1979 World Champions have found themselves in this position. However, a gutsy performance in the upcoming series against India could be the magic portion needed to turn the frog into a prince.
Winning this series would enhance chances of qualifying for the World Cup in 2019 and will serve as a much needed boost for a team low on confidence gas.
However, It would take a herculean effort from the Jason Holder led Maroon Caps and good-hearted fairy godmother for West Indies team to get pass India in one match much less the entire series. Although a series win is not impossible, the odds are so heavily stocked against the home team that even their most dedicated fans are stocking up on tissues. Let’s pray it comes in handy for tears of joy.