Davis not impressed by Windies showing

Davis not impressed by Windies showing
Saturday, July 11 2015

FORMER TRINIDAD and Tobago and West Indies opening batsman Bryan Davis was not impressed by the recent showing of the regional team during their home Test series against England (which ended in a 1-1 result after three Tests) and Australia (which saw the visitors inflict a 2-0 whitewash).

According to Davis, “the only high as I saw it was drawing the series against England. It revealed some fighting spirit after being one down to win the Third Test (in Barbados).

“Some personal performances were enough to give some hope like Jason Holder’s hundred to save the game in the First Test against England (in Antigua) and (Devendra) Bishoo’s seven- wicket haul against Australia (in the First Test in Dominica).

England lacked killer instinct while Australia were far too good for us. Not much to celebrate I’m afraid.” The cricket analyst continued, “the lows to me were our lacking the steel and willpower to play tough cricket.

“We were hopeless against the Aussies because they explored all our weaknesses seeming to be more vicious while the English looked complacent at times. The Aussies obviously came to win and pulled no punches while the English appeared to believe it would be a walkover!” These pair of Test series were the first for West Indies under their new coach Phil Simmons and Davis commented, “I didn’t expect too much as he only came in just before the series (against England) and would not have had the time to know his players, their likes and dislikes, what motivates them and especially to work with the existing coaching staff, none of his own choosing.” During the five Test matches, the Barbadian duo of Shai Hope and Shane Dowrich, as well as Guyanese opener Rajendra Chandrika, made their international debuts.

Davis remarked, “the younger players are short of technique and would be something that Simmons would notice and recognise that lots of work have be done in the nets.

“He should know that long sessions in the nets both batting and bowling does not only improve technique but also discipline, attitude and stamina which are fundamentals to success.” Devendra Bishoo made his return to the fold, at the expense of left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn.

“Bishoo has a big role to play in the future of this team,” said Davis.

“He’s a fine bowler but needs strengthening.

Again, lots of work in the nets and he could start working on his batting too. He added, “bowlers like (Kemar) Roach and (Jerome) Taylor should also work on their batting. As far as I’m concerned none of the three are ‘rabbits’.” Following the Test series, there were reports that Simmons met, with a number of players who are involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“As long as he tests their temperament and ensure that they have the right attitude to bring to the team it then could be an advantage,” Davis pointed out.

“But they must want it and it means falling in line with the coach’s instructions.

“Harmony in any cricket team is a must for good performances. I agree with the idea of approaching them; he must cover all avenues to ensure he has the best West Indian team. This is our pride and joy!” Recently, the ICC (International Cricket Council) announced that the West Indies will be facing Pakistan and hosts Zimbabwe in a tri-nation series next month, with rating points for the 2017 Champions Trophy at stake.

“I’m glad that the West Indies would have another chance to qualify but I appreciate how Bangladesh feel however if they deserve to be there that shouldn’t deter them,” Davis noted. “WI still have to play for it just like Pakistan!”

And who with any sense of shame would be impressed by the West Indies showing at home? West Indies needs to just stop playing test cricket and focus on odi and t20.