It should come as no surprise that West Indies suffered another ignominious defeat, an almost "two for one" drubbing all over again. I am no expert on all things West Indies cricket, just a casual observer. But I do know a little about West Indies cricket landscape and culture. More importantly however, I think I am fairly good at identifying talent. Not just talent as a player, but as a leader too. Talent - both playing and leadership - is what win games. So here are a few random thoughts sure to rub some the wrong way. First, after all their excuses, assurances, boasts and BS talk after the first test shellacking, the entire selection panel and coaching staff need to be sent into early retirement. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk team. Brathwaite and Blackwood do not belong in that team, much less as Captain and Vice-Captain. In fact, the only players in the current 13, who belong there are Mayers, Hope, Holder, Roach and Da Silva. Who should be added to that team? Shimron Hetmyer. Not just as a permanent fixture, but as the captain as well. Hetmyer and Mayers are the 2 most talented cricketers in WI cricket today. Plus, Hetymer is a leader (under 19 anyone?). Hetty also happens to be from Guyana, which has a knack of producing some of the best leaders (Lloyd, Kanhai, Hooper, in case you forgot). The other Guyanese player who should be in that team is Gudakesh Motie. No question. Not Permaul, who is not WI material by a far shot. The Vice Captain should be Nicholas Pooran (or Holder or Mayers – I am not opposed). These 6 names should be the core, permanent fixture, of your WI team. Da Silva is there as the 2nd wicketkeeper to Pooran. As I said before, I am just a casual observer, so you can complete the rest of the team. The Core – talent and leadership – is what matters to me.
