West Indies - WC 2011 Preview

I have kept the worst for the last. Two time champions WI have struggled to find consistency even to the smallest degree. Their batting is over dependent on Gayle these days for the fiery starts he can provide. Darren Bravo seems to be a player to watch for the future. With a Lara like technique ala high backlift and style, I am beginning to like him and off late he has been pretty consistent as well. Sarwan and Shiv provide calming influence but Dwayne Bravo and Pollard will be looked upon to provide final thrust to the innings.

WI bowling – let’s face it – is very weak. It’s a shame that the yesteryear fearsome fast bowlers have given way to these bowlers in this squad. Pity WI cricket is in shambles – the bowlers have to perform a miracle, match after match to show that WI have serious chances of going all the way. Sadly, that will exist only on paper….

Strategy
• Unleash Pollard in the middle of the innings and catch the opponents off guard
• Use their heads and most importantly play with some passion which seems to be lacking in WI these days
• Can ask Shiv to open the innings (if need be) and ask him to play positively

Missing Out
• Fidel Edwards instead of the useless forever under-performing Ravi Rampaul

Strengths
• Gayle can provide tornados at the start
• Darren Bravo is an attractive south-paw and plays very similar to Lara
• All-rounders in Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Pollard
• Sarwan is back and provides experience in the middle order (esp. in the middle of the innings)

Weaknesses
• If not a captain, Sammy will struggle to find a place in the 11 – not fit for captaincy
• Lack of consistency
• Bowling is very weak

Dark Horse / X-Factor
• Darren Bravo
• K Pollard

My Take
• Quarters

My Playing 11
• C Gayle, A Barath, Darren Bravo, R Sarwan, S Chanderpaul, Dwayne Bravo, K Pollard, C Baugh(wk), D Sammy, S Benn, Kemar Roach

Drinks
• N Miller, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Devon Smith


PS: As always, any comments/feedback will be highly appreciated.