Photo: The West Indies will look to Chris Gayle to lead the charge for World Cup glory
West Indies still has a good unit of players to represent in the ICC cricket World Cup in New Zealand, although missing so much experience and match winning players on their day. The Caribbean team has been undergoing a lot of internal problems but will look to put that all behind them as they chase glory in the centrepiece of World Cricket.
Jason Holder will be looking to prove a point to doubters who think he is too young to lead such experienced players that have been retained in the squad and get the best out of them, while focusing on his bowling and to give a hand with the bat if he must do so.
West Indies had a terrible series against South Africa in their own back yard, winning only one of the five One Day Internationals (ODI’s). West Indies were without the services of the three Trinidadians Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine. Both Bravo and Pollard were not name in the Caribbean side squad for the tour of South Africa or the World Cup. Narine has asked for time to work on his action that was reported to violate the 15-degree allowance of straightening of the bowling arm and he was banned from appearing for his franchise, the Kolkata Knight Riders, in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
However, I strongly believe West Indies could even win this world cup should they play to their true potential. The Caribbean men are not even, in some people’s opinion, capable of moving beyond the group stage.
The West Indies fall in group B with India, Pakistan, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and United Arab Emirates.
The team on paper and in recent showings suggest that West Indies should easily move past the group stage. The quarter-finals though will ask for their best in all departments to get them into the semifinals.
When you take a look at the players in the squad and their ability, there is no reason why one should be surprised if the Caribbean men win this tournament.
Chris Gayle, who is arguable the most destructive batman in the world will be one person, rookie captain Jason Holder will be looking to get among the runs with help from vice-captain Marlon Samuels who is in from and can be dangerous once he gets a start.
Jerome Taylor, Kemar Roach and Sulieman Benn will bring most of the weight of getting wickets and restricting teams to low totals.
The Tournament is scheduled to start on the February 14, however the West Indies play their first match of the World Cup against Ireland on February 16 at Nelson in New Zealand.
The following players make up the West Indies squad: Jason Holder (Captain), Marlon Samuels, Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy, Andre Russell, Denesh Ramdin, Dwayne Smith Lendl Simmons Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell Sulieman Benn, Kemar Roach, Jonathan Carter Jerome Taylor and Nikita Miller who replace Sunil Narine.
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