The West Indies played the role of the challenger really well but you always knew it was when, rather than if, they would fall away. It is thus ordained in the book of life for people who are either incapable of, or are prevented from, growing beyond their role. The West Indies need someone on the field to show them how to win for at the moment they give the impression it is out of bounds. Sometimes when you fear the inevitable, you invite it.
There is much promise in this side but they are on a long downward spiral and new talent coming in will take the shape of the mould it is cast into. It is the mould, the air they breathe, the acceptance of defeat that needs to be demolished and it can start with the administration picking the best possible team and a captain who can inject belief. There is something about Darren Sammy, he is better than most thought he would be, but he is a cricketer who makes up the numbers. You need those kind too, those that play solid supporting roles, but the West Indies need a leader—someone who says, in words and in behaviour “come follow me”.
I fear this was the best opportunity the West Indies could have had and they didn’t have the mindset to take it. The people they need are either unavailable or persona non grata. They seem to have too much stacked against them; on the field and in the committees. I hope they can prove people wrong for they are popular tourists as the engaging players from Trinidad and Tobago found out in the Champions League.
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