Windies need a winning combination, not just star players: WICB – Cricket News Update
CEO of the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 Cricket Board, Ernest Hilaire, has clarified that the current philosophy behind the team selection process is based on identifying a winning combination of players who can work together effectively, as opposed to a team made up of
famous players with star reputations.
“… The emphasis is on selecting, not necessarily the eleven best players but the 'best eleven',” he said, adding that there was a major difference between the two.
“The best eleven may not include the most attractive players but is rather a combination of players who, as a group, are more likely to bring positive results and show a commitment to sustained development.”
The West Indies, a side that has long been struggling against poor form and board politics, finally appears to be on the right track, after having displayed a return of their competitiveness and fighting spirit in recent matches.
The team has been without the services of big names such as http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DJ-Bravo-c1379 (whose commitments to T20 events
such as the Indian Premier League have made his appearances for the West Indies erratic and far in between), and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Leicestershire-c807, with whom he has agreed to play a full season).
Nevertheless, the squad appears to be picking up the pieces, and finding their form, owing to an overhaul courtesy head coach Gibson and captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DJG-Sammy-c1382.
The effect was apparent in the Windies’ most recent performances against the visiting Australian team. The hosts put up a valiant fight during the limited-overs leg of the tour, and both the ODI and T20 series ended on draws. Despite losing the Test series
2-0, they gave a good account of themselves - earning praise from former greats including http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978.
Their upsurge has further pleased the WICB, which remained positive and convinced that the team is on the right track. The CEO went on to point out that West Indies cricket was showing signs of determination, and a will to succeed.
“We have seen a greater commitment to fight to the very end, we have seen what was once thumping three and four day defeats in Test cricket now turned into epic final-day battles,” Hilaire pointed out.
The West Indies, currently touring http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Lions-c808 in Northampton, after which a 3-match Test series
against England is due to kick off on May 17 at Lord's in London.
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