The usual sentiment in the Caribbean and elsewhere as well is that cricket talent abounds in the region. That's a lie. There is a distinct shortage of cricket talent in the West Indies and that is why we are where we are, near the bottom of the world rankings.
Admittedly, it could be argued that the talent is there and is just not being uncovered. But that makes little difference, and the main issue is that there is not an abundance of cricketing ability available to represent the region in a sport it dominated for years.
The latest manifestation of this deficiency is the West Indies' failure to qualify for this year's Cricket World Cup and the recent dismal showing of the Test team against India in Dominica. Many considered it an indignity that the once great team had to play qualifying matches in the first place. But this was not the first time. Four years ago they barely made it through and might not have made it at all were it not for a few close umpiring calls.
The point is that the malaise isn't new, and the failure to make the World Cup isn't all that surprising. The West Indies has been a bad team, in all three formats, for a while now and could well be for some time.
Admittedly, it could be argued that the talent is there and is just not being uncovered. But that makes little difference, and the main issue is that there is not an abundance of cricketing ability available to represent the region in a sport it dominated for years.
The latest manifestation of this deficiency is the West Indies' failure to qualify for this year's Cricket World Cup and the recent dismal showing of the Test team against India in Dominica. Many considered it an indignity that the once great team had to play qualifying matches in the first place. But this was not the first time. Four years ago they barely made it through and might not have made it at all were it not for a few close umpiring calls.
The point is that the malaise isn't new, and the failure to make the World Cup isn't all that surprising. The West Indies has been a bad team, in all three formats, for a while now and could well be for some time.