Berbicians disappointed at West Indies’ performance in the World Cup

– Call for players to improve mentally

It is reasonable to conclude that every Caribbean cricket lover was greatly disappointed in the poor performance of the West Indies Cricket Team in the 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup tournament. For instance, when this reporter visited the Ancient County, Berbicians shared their views on the Caribbean team’s performance at the global showpiece.

Most of those who spoke were discreet in not disclosing names and designations, but all shared similar views. The most notable exception to this trend of anonymity was Albion Cricket Club’s acting Vice President Imtiaz Bacchus, who was openly concerned and disappointed at the team’s efforts in the World Cup tournament.
“Myself and every cricket fan had so much expectations that West Indies will do better. It was clear that Andre Russell was unfit, and yet the selectors persisted (with choosing him)” Bacchus remarked.

He lamented the selectors’ poor decision, saying that Russell’s presence prevented a fit player from participating in the World Cup.
“In crunch moments, when West Indies had teams by the throat and (should have gone) for the kill, Holder showed his laid back attitude,” Bacchus charged.
“I feel the West Indies Team have a mental problem to read the game and win matches. On many occasions, they were in positions to win, but they let it slide,” Bacchus opined.
He recalled another scenario wherein a Caribbean batsman should have played sensible cricket. He said Carlos Brathwaite was well set on a century against New Zealand, and the West Indies required a mere six runs from seven balls to win the match. Brathwaite decided to go for glory, but was out caught at the boundary with another over to play, as the West Indies were bowled out.
A few persons also had issues with captain Jason Holder. They also thought the West Indies failed to capitalise on decisive moments because Holder had not employed an attacking disposition during the World Cup tournament.
A perfect instance, they said, came in the West Indies match against Australia, when the Aussies were at 79-5 and Holder held back and did not attack the Aussies. Instead, he watched Nathan Coulter-Nile smash his way to a counter-attacking 92 in scoring his maiden half-century.
The views on West Indies’ batting approach in the World Cup were scathing. “It was simply poor! No batsman from the West Indies played with brain!” one person declared.
On various occasions it became clear, they said, that when the West Indies batsmen faced short-pitched deliveries, they batted those towards the fielders.
Knowledgeable Berbice cricket supporters who watched the World Cup intently said the Caribbean batsmen should pattern themselves after such greats as Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steven Smith, Rohit Sharma and David Warner.
“These guys have shown the ability to bat long and score big runs with sensible cricket, something the West Indies batsmen have failed to do,” the ‘knowledgeables’ have said.
Many Berbicians opined that the West Indies players are mentally weak, and this is an area on which they must improve, moving forward.
The West Indies players, especially the batsmen, have shown preference for the T20 format, but 50 Overs is a longer format of the game, and players of this format must concentrate for a longer period.
“All West Indies batsmen want to hit six. They want glory,” Berbicians declared.
In their 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup campaign, the West Indies lost six matches and won only two. This was one of the poorest showings at the global showpiece by any West Indies team.