Expect the Sri Lankans to bounce back

As I write this piece the start of the second ERI Test between the West Indies and Sri Lanka is just a few hours away. To say it is eagerly anticipated would be an understatement. West Indian fans are anxious to see if their team’s performance in the first game was just an anomaly, or if the players are really a rejuvenated bunch willing – and able – to apply themselves to the cause of returning the Calypso Kings to the pinnacle of world cricket.

Not many expected the series to be nil-all after the first Test, and for the West Indians to emerge with their heads held high. But thanks mainly to the brilliance of Chris Gayle and the inspired bowling of Shane Shillingford and Kemar Roach that is exactly the situation.

The West Indian acquitted themselves well. In my opinion Darren Sammy led the team admirably although I do believe he should have taken the new ball when it was due in the Sri Lanka first innings. I would also like to see him bowl a few more overs, after all he is a bowling all-rounder, and not a cheerleader as some of his detractors put it.

As a result of their showing the real test of Sammy and his men’s mettle begins now. The Sri Lankans are smarting. You could clearly hear the disappointment in Kumar Sangakkara’s voice when he basically admitted in the post match interview that they were surprised at the West Indians’ competitiveness. In other words they underestimated us. They know for sure now that this team did not just show up to pad anybody’s resumé. This team came to play cricket.

And so the Sri Lankans are eager to make amends. They are looking forward to the game as much as we the fans are.

Someone I’m certain is looking forward to this game more than most is Sulieman Benn. The fiery spinner was forced to sit out the first game due to his indiscretions against South Africa earlier in the year. How he must have longed to be in the middle to exploit the Galle conditions alongside Shane Shillingford who, I believe, will survive this examination of his bowling action. Given the problems he posed in Galle seeing him and Benn operating in tandem at Premdasa is another eagerly anticipated subplot.

Benn’s expected return, although welcomed, however weakens the new ball attack with Andre Russell most likely to make way after just the one Test. This means Dwayne Bravo should partner Roach up front. Not entirely a proposition that would cause opposition openers sleepless nights but entirely necessary especially since the alternative is the skipper himself.

In closing I must say the man has only been in charge for one game and should be given some slack. His personal returns were negligible, to say the least, but he did preside over a draw in a match his team dominated. And I do recall a statement from the West Indies Cricket Board earlier in the year that the short term focus is on drawing games. What better way for Sammy to start than by drawing a game in the fortress that is Sri Lanka?

For those who cannot accept that the man is in the team I would like to remind them then he was named captain for three series. After that his performance and that of the team will be reviewed. If both are found wanting then I’m sure he would be shown the door, but if the team manages to perform beyond our expectations, win a few matches…maybe a series, then it means Sammy is doing something right. It means the team would be making steps towards top ratings again…and that is what we all want to see, right?

Round One to the West Indies!

It may be only the first day of the series, with another 14 to go, and on a featherbed of a pitch but I can’t help but feel that this series is going to be a competitive one. I guess seeing the score at 362 for two, and the West Indies batting, is as good a hint as any that the tourists will not just roll over and die as many predicted and many more hoped.

Chris Gayle led the way superbly and, apart from a little period at the start of his innings, looked in completely control of the Sri Lankan bowlers. The youngsters, Adrian Barath and debutant Darren Bravo, were perfect foils – the former while the big left-hander was getting into his stride, and the latter when he was running amok.

I’ve said before that I believe Barath is the real deal so, if anything he disappointed me by not going on to three figures after such a good start. He is still only 20 though so he will have a lot of time to make up for me.

Bravo on the other hand went a long way towards winning me over as a fan. In my previous appearance I admitted that I was impressed with his flashes of brilliance but I wanted to see more. I would be flattered if he reads Balgo’s Blog but he did seem on a mission to please me. He is not short on confidence, some even call him arrogant, but what I saw and liked during his 58 was the dedication and the recognition of what his role was in that record second wicket partnership with Gayle. Conceding authority to the senior man he quietly went about constructing his innings while allowing Gayle to plunder at the other end. He still managed to display his moments of brilliance but he, like Barath before him, went too soon – leaving one yearning for more.

Naturally the similarities to Brian Lara would inevitably be mentioned. The commentators did it and one friend actually called me almost swooning at the similarities. That said, if the young Bravo could be half as good as the great man then the West Indies would have found a gem.

And now on to Mr. Gayle! From comments posted elsewhere one gets the impression he set out to prove a point to the West Indies Cricket Board following the whole contract issue. If that is so then I say right on Mr. Gayle! Prove all the points you want! Your innings was a joy to behold and here is hoping you continue in that vein on day 2 and throughout the series.

Darren Bravo and Andre Russell to make debut

It is customary when teams embark on tours that include Test matches to have the players earmarked to appear in the first Test participate in the final warm-up game. If the tour is a short one, as is prevalent of late, then that game could be the only one prior - thus making it imperative that the players for the first Test get a knock unless injuries or IPL (read Gayle and Bravo) prevent them.

Therefore the inclusion of Darren Bravo in the only warm-up match in Sri Lanka is a clear indication that the 21 year-old left-hander will make his debut come November 15.

It also appears that he will occupy the pivotal number three position, a huge task for one so young not only in years but in experience. He is yet to top 100 first-class runs but promises much more and, with Ramnaresh Sarwan out of the way for now, has the opportunity to not only cement his place in the team but at number three.

Me? I’m not yet sold on him. He certainly shows flashes of brilliance but a first-class average of 36.72 is not exactly the stuff legends are made of. That said I would really like for him to make a believer of me because I get the impression he can be a real dominant force if he gets it right. Good luck to the lad. And good luck to Sarwan as he works to recapture his place.

The young Bravo’s inclusion settles one of two spots I saw as uncertain going into the opening game. It was him or Devon Smith who I thought would have been given the nod as the last chance to justify Butts and company’s faith in him.

The other spot in contention is the one to decide who partners Kemar Roach with the new ball. Playing 12 players per side in the warm-up afford the selectors to have the proposed first Test side get a good run and at the same time size up Nelon Pascal and Andre Russell, the contenders.

Pascal brings a lot more experience to the table, and a bit more pace, but Russell’s strike-rate tells me he is better wicket-taker. His average of 26.39 also tells me he does not give away a lot of runs taking those wickets. The fact that he is a lower-order batsman capable of scoring a first-class century is enough for me to give him his debut come November 15.

My team therefore, in batting order, would be: Christopher Gayle, Adrian Barath, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Brendan Nash, Dwayne Bravo, Carlton Baugh, Daren Sammy, Andre Russell, Shane Shillingford and Kemar Roach.