By Brandon Corlette & Krissania Young
After suffering a 3-2 defeat against South Africa, Windies bounced back and clinched the T20 International series 4-1 against Australia. In this collaborative article, Mostly Cricket and Cricnation592 reviewed the men in maroon efforts against Australia.
Things are Beginning to Fall into Place for WINDIES after a Slow Start to World Cup Preparation
Following their loss to South Africa, the West Indies batting was the topic of discussion, as the home team frustrated Caribbean fans in failing to compose successful run-chases for targets of 166, 167 & 168. And the criticism—mainly from former West Indies players—which followed, was nothing new. Certainly not the “batting without brains” comments.
However, as the Nicholas Pooran-led West Indies raced 3-nil up in their five-match T20I series against Australia, the noise seems to have subsided. For now, at least.
That’s more like it from WINDIES Batsmen
As the 7th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup draws closer, it seems inevitable, and it feels right that the reigning Champions will be dependent on the connection of Trinidadian duo, Evin Lewis and Lendl Simmons, at the top of the innings. It was unfortunate—for the fans, at least—that Lewis, who topped the scoring charts versus South Africa with 178 runs at an average of 35.6 and a strike rate of 160+, missed out on a few games in the just-concluded series (due to injury/rotation).
However, in the absence of his left-handed partner, Lendl Simmons took up the mantle, outscoring every other WINDIES batsman on his way to surely cementing his place on the plane—and his spot at the top of the innings—to the United Arab Emirates, with 165 runs in 5 games against the Aussies with a strike-rate of 122.
With the speculation surrounding the opening pair seemingly confirmed, the question remained: “does this West indies team need an anchor?” A question that was now being asked through amplified speakers given the manner in which the series loss to South Africa unfolded. Shimron Hetmyer, in his post-match comments following his 38-ball 61, in the 2nd T20I against Australia, might just have given us the answer. “[It’s about] trying to come off strike as much as possible,” said Hetmyer when talking about his role anchoring the innings. A thing the 24-year-old did to perfection in the 2nd T20I, despite striking at 169+.
Not unlike young Hetmyer who is being backed to anchor this explosive WINDIES batting line-up, the 41-year-old Chris Gayle is being backed to come good when it matters most—at the World Cup. As it becomes increasingly clearer that Gayle, who has played at the top of the innings for the majority of his career, will be WINDIES’ resident no.3 leading up to, and throughout the tournament, despite the Jamaican’s recent scant returns. This, as cited by Dwayne Bravo: beyond the runs, Gayle serves as an intimidating presence in the West Indies batting line-up; as well as a source of invaluable energy in the dressing room.
From the half-centuries by the likes of the hard-hitting Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Lendl Simmons and Chris Gayle, to the continued bludgeoning of the ball from Fabian Allen and a touch more composure in front of the stumps from stand-in captain Nicholas Pooran, the improvement with the willow for the West Indies from South Africa to Australia, has been evident.
That has not quite been the case with Andre Fletcher, however; who, apart from his 19-ball 30 against South Africa in the 1st T20I, has failed to find any form. Still, in examining the West Indies’18-man provisional squad, it is noticeable that outside of the starting XI, WINDIES are not equipped with a great deal of reserve batsmen. And therein lies an opening for Andre Fletcher to book a ticket to the World Cup—as a batsman, yes but also as a cover for wicket-keeper, Pooran.
West Indies & their System Bowlers
As was the hallmark of the preceding South African series, the WINDIES bowling continues to hold its own. This time, led by player of the series, Hayden Walsh Jr; whose 12 wickets is the most for a West Indian spinner in a bilateral T20I series since mystery spinner, Sunil Narine’s, 7 against New Zealand 9 years ago.
Walsh Jr., along with the ever-improving Obed McCoy and veteran Dwayne Bravo with help from the likes of Allen, Cottrell and Russell have enabled the West Indies to continue their impressive record of limiting teams to an economy rate of 7.09 in the last ten overs—whatever the bowling combinations happen to be on the night.
Things to look forward to against Pakistan: “Anchor Hetty”
It was rather unfortunate that Hetmyer was unable to bat in the 3rd T20I and that he had to sit out the 4th with an injury. The left-hander being tasked with anchoring the innings for the West Indies signals a change in roles for the Delhi Capitals and Guyana Amazon Warriors big-hitter. Therefore, Hetmyer will need as many games as possible under his belt, leading up to the World Cup, perfecting this position, to be ready when the tournament comes around.