By Brandon Corlette
The West Indies A squad has been announced that will tour Bangladesh, meeting their A side for three four-day matches, starting on May 16.
Veteran cricket commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira shared his views on the team selected, noting that the omission of Kevlon Anderson and Kevin Wickham was a surprise while the selection of leg-spinner Yannic Cariah was a mystery.
“Reds” also noted that the likes of Keacy Carty and Anderson Phillip should not have been selected, since they have failed to capitalise on their chances when given opportunities.
“The major surprise which has been reflected throughout the Caribbean is the omission of Anderson. On the basis that you pick (Kirk) McKenzie, (Zachary) McCaskie, (Jair) McCallister and (Kevin) Sinclair on performance in the Tri-series, why was Anderson, for his brilliant 153, which had a touch of class and was highly commented on by commentators, how come was that talent not included?”
“I did not see Carty getting in ahead of Anderson. Carty had his chances, and has not taken advantage. He is young enough to come back. Certainly, Anderson should have been on the plane to Bangladesh.”
“Wickham like Anderson was unfortunate not to have been included. He played a lovely innings as Anderson. It is important what we do with these talents going forward,” “Reds” explained.
The 30-year-old Cariah, who has 59 wickets in 73 First-Class matches at 33, and 2994 runs at an average of 28, with five centuries in 120 innings, did not feature in the recently-concluded Headley-Weekes Tri series, but he was selected.
“I was surprised that Cariah has been selected again. This is almost a mystery. He has been in and out and has not really performed. The side has already gotten two spinners in (Gudakesh) Motie and Sinclair. It is a short tour, do you need a leg-spinner which will shorten the batting on a short tour?” the veteran commentator asked.
“Reds” also noted that Raymon Reifer is not the dominant traditional number three as was seen in previous West Indies teams, but his selection indicates he will be the number three for the Bangladesh A tour and beyond.
“The inclusion of (Raymon) Reifer indicates that the selectors have decided that Reifer will be the number three, not only in Bangladesh, but against India, and beyond. Reifer is not a number three that is going to dominate if you had a bad start. Reifer is going to drop anchor, and he may get 20 from 80 balls. He will not dominate, he will put pressure on the batting. I think the selectors made an error. The selectors have not developed a (dominant) number three in the tradition of the outstanding number three the West Indies have had for a long time,” “Reds” added.
Left-arm seamer Dominic Drakes, who showed great promise in the Tri-series in Antigua, should have also been selected, according to “Reds”.
“It was difficult to see why Dominic Drakes was not on the touring party. He would have provided variety to Joshua Da Silva. He (Drakes) would be a better investment than Anderson Phillip. There is a welcome selection of Alick Athanaze and we are seeing the development of Tevin Imlach as a second keeper who can bat. (Akeem) Jordan is an excellent bowler who moves the ball, and McCallister has got pace. Sinclair will go there with a fair amount of confidence, but he must now bowl quickly on those surfaces.” He added: “I am looking forward to see (Tagenarine) Chanderpaul partner either McKenzie or McCaskie.”
The gifted Guyanese, who resides in St Lucia, also suggested that the new Cricket West Indies (CWI) Board should have five selectors, as this will bring more valued ideas to the table.
“I want to suggest to the new board, although I have the highest respect for Dr Desmond Haynes and Roland Butcher, I think it is time we go back to five selectors. We need to have more information and ideas about players. I think it would be a better balance in terms of selection,” “Reds” disclosed.
Full squad: Joshua Da Silva (Captain); Alick Athanaze; Yannic Cariah; Keacy Carty; Tagenarine Chanderpaul; Tevin Imlach; Akeem Jordan; Brandon King; Jair McAllister; Zachary McCaskie ;Kirk McKenzie; Gudakesh Motie; Anderson Phillip; Raymon Reifer and Kevin Sinclair
MATCH SCHEDULE
All matches at SICS, Sylhet
May 16-19: 1st “Test”
May 23-26: 2nd “Test”
May 30 to June 2: 3rd “Test”