Way clear for Bravo return, says Davis

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Darren Sammy's removal as captain and subsequent retirement from Test cricket will pave the way for all-rounder Dwayne Bravo's return to the squad, says former West Indies opener Bryan Davis.

Sammy, who led the Test squad for nearly four years, was axed on Friday in favour of wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin. The St Lucian all-rounder announced he was quitting the longer format later in the day.

"I think Dwayne has been unfairly left out for the last four years. He was injured and Sammy then took the decision that he would be the fast bowling all-rounder," the Trinidad Guardian quoted Davis as saying.

"With the selectors not wanting to play two fast bowling all-rounders, Bravo had to stay out.

"Bravo's record speaks for itself, he belongs on the West Indies team, he has shown that he can bat with three Test centuries and his bowling is penetrative, as he is now closing in on 100 wickets," added Davis, who played four Tests against Australia in 1965.

Sammy led West Indies in 30 of his 38 Tests, winning eight matches and losing 12, with 10 finishing drawn. He made 1,323 runs at 21.68, with a single Test century against England at Trent Bridge in 2012, and grabbed 84 wickets at 35 apiece.

Bravo, meanwhile, who replaced Sammy as One-Day captain last May, has scored 2,200 runs from 40 Tests at an average of 31 with three centuries. He has taken 86 wickets at an average of nearly 40.

And while Bravo has not played a Test in three-and-a-half years, Davis believes this is where the strength of his game remains.

"He has been playing a lot of T20 cricket, but I think that he is actually a better Test bowler," Davis contended.

"He is not his best when bowling defensively. With his ability to move the ball, I think he can be very penetrative in Test matches."

We will see.  This is the same "penetrative" bowler who has only taken 86 wickets in forty test matches at an average of nearly 40 runs per wicket.  So unless something has changed drastically, why should we expect anything different??

[quote author=Prince link=topic=89589.msg563092#msg563092 date=1399817844]
We will see.  This is the same "penetrative" bowler who has only taken 86 wickets in forty test matches at an average of nearly 40 runs per wicket.  So unless something has changed drastically, why should we expect anything different??
[/quote]

Exactly.

Bravo's bowling will have to improve a hell of a lot for him to be an effective 3rd seamer for the West Indies.

[quote author=Prince link=topic=89589.msg563092#msg563092 date=1399817844]
We will see.  This is the same "penetrative" bowler who has only taken 86 wickets in forty test matches at an average of nearly 40 runs per wicket.  So unless something has changed drastically, why should we expect anything different??
[/quote]
Penetrative (lulz) is way over the top. However sub 40 average is OK if he can bat surely. Although I guess his first class stats doesn't inspire confidence either. Let's see - I'm for giving him a good shot before he's crossed off the list though.

Bravo needs to lift his bowling level a notch higher,lest he will be treated just like sammy was in the squad.He has a rhythmic action,but if he can generate more pace and seam it,he can be a lively bowler and add to it his pinch hitting abilities.West indies have one of their best all rounders..:p..I know i am dreaming,but i just hope this happens,i love bravo for his cricketing skills..Awesome guy..!!

unless Bravo can be selected as BATTING all rounder...at #6 in the line up he will unbalance the side. 

he would then have to be played at the expense of a bowler in which case he becomes the bowling all rounder.  but that would be a serious weakening of the bowling.  west indies must play 2 spinners for that is where out strength lies..Narine, Benn.. and if Shilly can return to himself without chucking.

2 of those 3 must play and we must have 2 real pacemen.  Bravo does not count as an effective paceman.  so if he cant bat and score tons at#6 then forget it

[quote author=mapoui link=topic=89589.msg563181#msg563181 date=1399893229]
unless Bravo can be selected as BATTING all rounder...at #6 in the line up he will unbalance the side. 

he would then have to be played at the expense of a bowler in which case he becomes the bowling all rounder.  but that would be a serious weakening of the bowling.  west indies must play 2 spinners for that is where out strength lies..Narine, Benn.. and if Shilly can return to himself without chucking.

2 of those 3 must play and we must have 2 real pacemen.  Bravo does not count as an effective paceman.  so if he cant bat and score tons at#6 then forget it
[/quote]
Leave alone scoring tons,if he can stabilize the batting line up with some 30's..that would fit the team's requirements.He must stay there to prevent a batting collapse,that is the maximum that would be asked of him if he is selected in the squad.I hope he is given a fair chance to showcase his mettle.He needs some experience to understand the team layout.

[quote author=bala24 link=topic=89589.msg563184#msg563184 date=1399894827]
Leave alone scoring tons,if he can stabilize the batting line up with some 30's..that would fit the team's requirements.He must stay there to prevent a batting collapse,that is the maximum that would be asked of him if he is selected in the squad.I hope he is given a fair chance to showcase his mettle.He needs some experience to understand the team layout.
[/quote]

Shiv is there and he sticks around while wickets fall all around him so I cannot see Bravo's role as being a scorer of 30s. He needs to be getting some serious runs where ever he bats.

He has already played 40 tests so he has has had more than a fair chance. He was kept out by Sammy and his own mediocre performances.