On Tuesday, the head of the umbrella West Indies Cricket Board called for an emergency meeting of stakeholders hours after the regional team humiliated itself and fans worldwide by being bowled out for only 27 runs in the last test of the three-test matches against Australia in Jamaica.
Vincentian Kishore Shallow said “sleepless nights are ahead” following Monday’s decimation at the Sabina Park by a ruthless Australian bowling attack as the home side chased a gettable total of 204 to secure a consolation win in the last game with an impressive victory. This was not to be as the smattering of fans watched as Mitchell Starc rummaged through the innings, routing the top order as the Windies team with seven ducks reportedly broke all records for the red ball game format in living memory.
The Aussies won all the games and will be on a high when the T/20 series starts on Sunday. At one stage, fans watched as the team slid and slumped to 11 runs for six wickets, finally closing off at a mere 27. Back-up pacer Scott Boland chimed in with a hat-trick that barely warranted a single line in many reports, as most concentrated on the fact that the Windies could not even bat for a proper hour. Board President Kishore says a significant review of the regional setup must be conducted.
“As an immediate step, I have advised the chair of the cricket strategy and officiating committee to convene an emergency meeting to review the recent test series against Australia, particularly the final match. I have extended invitations to three of our greatest batsmen ever: Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards, and Brian Lara, to strengthen the discussions. They will join past greats, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, The Most Honorable Desmond Haynes, and Ian Bradshaw, who already serve on the committee. This engagement is not ceremonial. These men helped define our golden eras; their perspectives will be invaluable as we shape the next phase of our cricket development. We intend for this gathering to result in tangible, actionable recommendations,” he said.
Just as he had released his, an angry Guyanese President and ardent cricket fan, Irfaan Ali, lashed out at the status quo, calling for significant changes to the current order.
“It is time for a full evaluation and accountability to the people of this region for the disastrous batting performance of the West Indies Cricket Team. We cannot disregard what all of us witnessed and endured in the last three test matches. This is not about our players, administrators, or any individual; it is an entire system that is failing, and together, all of us must fix it now. This cannot continue into another series; we must not allow it to happen,” he said in a social media posting.
The 27 is the lowest by the side in nearly 100 years of test cricket and only better than the 26 a hapless New Zealand team had made against the English in 1995 at home.
Interim skipper Royston Chase was embarrassed and struggled for words, noting that it’s heartbreaking to be in a position like that, where we think we could have won the game, and then come out and have that poor batting display. However, it’s something that has been recurring for the whole series, so that makes it even more disappointing.”
This was Chase’s first series as red ball captain, and it has turned out to be a nightmare. Shallow called for all hands on deck to assist.”This is a moment that calls for collaboration, not division. We need everyone on board: fans, players, coaches, legends, and administrators, if we are to truly move forward. There is much work to be done. But we must do it with purpose, and we must do it together.”
