Lara says bat Holder higher

A segment from a recent Lara article from the Trinidad Guardian:

"....As the game approached its climax, we willed Zimbabwe on to beat the Irish, knowing a loss for Ireland would enhance the West Indies chances of qualifying for the next round. Really!? Is this what our cricket has come to?

I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness at the depth of despair to which our cricket had plunged. It’s an astonishing fall from the lofty heights of the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s.

Imagine going into tonight’s match against the United Arab Emirates hoping for all sorts of permutations to work in our favour.

Once there is play, I have little doubt we will win but as it stands cyclone Pam is our biggest threat, as heavy rain is expected in Napier.

Let’s leave out a loss and rain. The reality is that the victory we seek will be of no significance if the management fails to realign the balance of the team to effect a more purposeful and aggressive strategy going forward.

We are not learning from our experiences, nor are we seeing the good in what others do tactically to improve. Australia exchanged batting places with Watson and Smith. The results were immediate. It was in the best interest of the team. Are we seeking what’s best for the team? Or do we have a bunch of individuals who have their own agendas on which to focus?

I like Russell but he knows only one way to play. Sammy is almost similar in style. Neither should bat ahead of the captain. They need to meet him at the crease and bat around him. Sensible and matured, he is a much better batsman than he is given credit for.

A fourth place, if it happens, will almost be a blessing for us. Of the three top teams who have qualified from Group A, I would prefer us to play New Zealand, rather than Australia or Sri Lanka.

I hope I am not jumping the gun here, but the Kiwis look far more vulnerable than Australia or Sri Lanka. Australia, with their bowling attack, is still the team to beat, despite losing to the Group leaders.

[...]

Kumar Sangakkara must be close to being the best ever wicket-keeper/batsman. Watching him bat is a joy—so classy, he makes batting look effortless.  The West Indies may not have provided me with many great moments but when I witness a performance like Sangakkara’s, I thank God that I’m here.

[...]

If only the West Indies could do something special today, what a thrill it will be!"

It is also true that the WI have been abysmal in world cups since 1987 apart from the semi final spot they got in I think 1996.

We did well in the 92 world cup. Then the this game happened:

www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/65153.html


Look at those waste of times.

Lara got 70 and no one else got past 15.

I think Holder's current batting position is good enough. Holder is a bowling all rounder and he needs to remain that way. Who does Lara suggest Holder bat before? I would put him before Sammy if there is really a need.

At the start of the world cup if someone would have asked, name 1 team out of top 8 who are most likely to not qualify for the KO stages I would have said, its the Windies. But somehow they have been able to just sneak-past Ireland through the RR route. Now they have no pressure really. NZ playing well, at home conditions are the overwhelming favourites. WI losing is the expected result but then again Gayle force might hit Westpac!

Holder is developing into a good ALL Rounder : along with Andre Rsusel.

It would be unwise to experiment with either of these 2 in the Opening slot.

We have Charles, Simmons , Gayle and Ramdin whom have this experience before !

Indeed, really pleased for them. This Holder is a fine young cricketer.