Grading the West Indies in India: the fourth ODI

After winning the third game to open up the series the West Indies harboured hopes of leveling the scores at 2-2 but these aspirations were soon dashed by Indian skipper Virender Sehwag who slammed a record 219 as his team amassed 418. That score was enough for a victory which ended up being by a margin of 153 runs.

Lendl Simmons

Any hopes West Indies harboured of successfully chasing down their huge target rested on Simmons providing a quick start. He did, but fell trying to keep up the momentum.

Grade: C

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Kieran Powell

The tall left-hander came in for his first game of the series, courtesy of an injury to Darren Bravo. He failed to make the most of his opportunity however, being senselessly run out at the non-striker’s end.

Grade: F

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Marlon Samuels

The silky Jamaican briefly lifted West Indian hopes with a 26-ball 33 but when he was deceived by a top-spinner from debutant Rahul Sharma the game was as good as over. In the face of the Indian batting onslaught the fact that he was one of two bowlers whose economy rates were below 7.5 says his bowling effort should be commended.

Grade: C

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Danza Hyatt

Hyatt never looked at ease, even more so in the over when he was dismissed. After being rapped on the pads a few times he was bowled between his legs as he chose to charge a Sharma leg-break.

Grade: F

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Denesh Ramdin

The wicket-keeper seized the opportunity for some stress-free runs, after his team had given up victory, to amass the highest score by a West Indian wicket-keeper in ODIs. He failed by four runs to top it off with his first century when he was last man out attempting to reach the landmark in the game’s final over.

Grade: B

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Kieron Pollard

The big man has said in the past he needs more overs to bat. He had at least 36 here but still only managed three runs. With the ball, he did manage to dismiss Sehwag but gave up more than nine runs per over doing it.

Grade: F

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Andre Russell

He claimed one wicket at nine per over and belted 29 from 24, but like the others before him could not sustain his attack.

Grade: C

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Darren Sammy

The captain looked lost in the field. He allowed himself just three overs which was a wise choice given the fact that he was the only bowler going at over 10 runs per over. The pressure of captaincy is definitely telling on him…how else can you explain the proliferation of dropped catches, including the dolly offered by Sehwag today. He did not do himself any justice with the bat either, holding out to long-off after scoring two.

Grade: F

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Ravi Rampaul

He could not repeat his heroics with the ball (as in the 3^rd game), or with the bat (in the second), although he was one of two bowlers going at less than 7.5 per over.

Grade: D

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Kemar Roach

The paceman conceded 88 from his 10 overs while claiming a wicket in the closing stages of the Indian innings. He was pacey but that did not matter on this benign surface.

Grade: D

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Sunil Narine

After his impressive debut the off-spinner was brought back to earth with a bump, conceding 46 from his six overs. He showed he’s no rabbit with the bat, adding 64 for the 10^th wicket with Ramdin.

Grade: C

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Grading the West Indies in India: the third ODI

The West Indies finally got it right! In the two previous games they had put themselves in good positions to win but always seemed to lack the killer instinct. This time around, despite the heroics of the Indian lower order, they held on to win by 16 runs in Ahmedabad and reduce the deficit to 2-1 in the five-match series.

Lendl Simmons

A rare failure for the Trinidadian opener, the team’s most consistent ODI batsman of 2011! He did not have much to do in the field and was not required to bowl more than two overs of his gentle medium-pace.

Grade: F

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Danza Hyatt

Promoted to open the batting in place of the omitted Adrian Barath, the stocky Jamaican hung around 39 balls for his 20 before gifting his wicket with a careless waft at a leg-side delivery.

Grade: D

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Marlon Samuels

He used his newly found irregular methods to effectively counter the early threat of the Indian seamers. After all the efforts he put into reaching 58 however he threw it away with an overly ambitious shot. In the field he claimed the critical wicket of Partiv Patel with a beauty and bowled well in spells.

Grade: B

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Darren Bravo

The left-hander, in partnership with Samuels, was slowly laying a foundation for a middle-order push when a hamstring strain cut short his innings on 26. He played no further part in the match.

Grade: I

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Denesh Ramdin

The wicket-keeper finally got some runs under his belt in the series, buckling down for a workman-like 38 while adding 55 for the fourth wicket with Kieron Pollard. He also put in some good work behind the stumps, the most notable being the diving catch down the leg-side to get rid of the unlucky Suresh Raina.

Grade: B-

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Kieron Pollard

Pollard got another start but just when he was attempting to switch gears he was well taken in the outfield by Rajendra Jadeja. He was once again good in the field but was only required to bowl one over, which proved to be pretty tidy.

Grade: C+

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Andre Russell

Today he was half of the blitzkrieg that hit the Indians for 79 from the last 34 balls of the innings. His 40 came from 18 balls and helped prove the difference in the final results. His four overs were expensive but his real contribution in the field came from a smart piece of work at point which resulted in the run out of Jadeja.

Grade: B

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Darren Sammy

The captain stepped up big time, smashing 41 from 17 with some clean orthodox hitting which, alongside Russell’s, helped carry WI to a par score on that ground. He almost threw the game away when he dropped Rohit Sharma on 37 (one of two misses) but made amends later with a bullet-like direct hit that ran out the Indian danger man for a classy 95.

Grade: B-

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Ravi Rampaul

The burly pacer had the Man-of-the-Match awarded snatched from his grasp in the previous game, but was not allowing anyone to steal his thunder this time around. He was not called on to bat after the heroics of Sammy and Russell so he set about making his impact with the ball. He did that tellingly with the wickets of Sehwag and Gambhir from his first two deliveries and ended the match by cutting short the dangerous cameo of tail-ender Mithun. His four wickets were sufficient for the award!

Grade: A-

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Kemar Roach

Although a bit expensive he bowled with real pace which was evident in the scorcher that knocked over Vinay Kumar in his final spell.

Grade: C+

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Sunil Narine

The debutant grabbed his opportunity immediately, troubling all the batsmen with his each way spin. His two wickets were critical too: the inform Virat Kohli and the stubborn Ravi Ashwin, the latter to break a seventh wicket stand of 91 with Sharma.

Grade: B

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Grading the West Indies in India: the second ODI

The West Indies took on India in the second of five One-Day Internationals on December 2^nd in Visakhapatnam. After the close lost in Game 1 the visitors were hoping for a better showing but this was not to be. A top order failure left tail-enders Ravi Rampaul and Kemar Roach with the job of putting a respectable score on the board. In the end 269 for 9 it was not enough as WI went down by five wickets to concede a 0-2 lead in the series.

Lendl Simmons

Simmons was the only top order batsman who spent any considerable time at the crease. He batted well for his 78 and was on top of the bowling when an attempt to farm the strike resulted in his run out. He also bowled three tidy overs of medium-pace when called upon by the captain.

Grade: B

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Adrian Barath

Another failure for the diminutive Trinidadian who laboured eight deliveries without scoring! He did manage to pull off a magnificent catch to get rid of Gautam Gambhir.

Grade: D

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Marlon Samuels

Yet another failure as the WI top-order collapsed. His redeeming feature was that he captured the wicket of the dangerous Indian captain Virender Sehwag during his 10 economical overs.

Grade: D

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Darren Bravo

The left-hander failed to get among the runs on this occasion. It was not so much his failure but the way he got out, playing an ugly hoick to mid-on, that left a bitter taste in the mouth. He followed this up by dropping a relatively easy catch at third-man.

Grade: F

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Danza Hyatt

He did not last two long in the middle and was mostly invisible in the field.

Grade: F

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Denesh Ramdin

The batting woes that have beset West Indian wicket-keepers of recent continued with the Trinidadian once again contriving to bring about his own downfall. He also dropped a straightforward offering from centurion Virat Kohli early in his innings.

Grade: F

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Kieron Pollard

The big man looked ready to take on the Indian attack, motoring to 35 from 30 before he was adjudged caught behind, and this as he and Simmons were mounting a fight back. Although his bowling was nothing to shout about he did pull off a few good stops in the field.

Grade: C+

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Darren Sammy

Yet another failure with the bat for the captain! He didn’t impress with the ball either and his questionable field placing along with his dropped catch off Sehwag combined for a very poor outing for Darren Sammy.

Grade: F

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Adrian Russell

He threw away a perfect opportunity to improve his stock as a batsman with the shot he played and some 19 overs remaining. His bowling was also off-track as was reflected in his figures of none for 60 in just over eight overs.

Grade: F

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Ravi Rampaul

The man mostly responsible for turning this game into a contest! The big left-hander slammed a career-best 86 not out to help lift WI from 170 for nine to 269 for nine when the overs ran out. He also played his part in reducing India to 29 for two by removing Gambhir.

Grade: A-

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Kemar Roach

His level-headed batting ensured an unbroken 99 for the 10^th wicket with Rampaul to turn the match into a contest. After his career-best 24 not out in that partnership the young fast bowler showed he was returning to something resembling top form with a hostile opening spell which accounted for Parthiv Patel and made all the other batsmen uncomfortable.

Grade: A-

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Grading the West Indies in India: the first ODI

After the Test series ended 2-0 in favour of India with a nail-biting draw in the final game (I missed most of the fourth day and all of the final so I don’t think I was in a position to grade it), the West Indies took on the hosts in the first of five One-Day Internationals at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Although putting up a substandard score the visitors fought back in the field, so much that the Indians limped home with one wicket and seven balls to spare. The West Indian cause was not helped by some 23 extras, including a whopping 16 wides and four no-balls.

Lendl Simmons

Back on the sub-continent after missing the Tests the Trinidadian appeared set for another of his sheet-anchor innings that was the hallmark of his Bangladesh campaign before he inexplicably cut at a delivery that was too full and too straight.

Grade: C

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Adrian Barath

The diminutive opener looked in fine form, scoring his 17 from 13 balls with three fours, before he was undone by a beauty from Vinay Kumar.

Grade: C+

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Marlon Samuels

Like Simmons, he has fond memories of his last ODI series and also seemed ready to repeat his heroics of the Bangladesh tour. After posting 10 from 11 however he departed, bowled playing a most awkward shot. His bowling, although economical did not result in any wickets which were imperative for a WI win.

Grade C

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Darren Bravo

The stylish left-hander was definitely the best West Indian batsman on show. While Bravo was at the wicket the team always looked capable of amassing 250 at least. The fluency in his strokeplay, especially through the off-side, was very much evident – as it was in the Tests. His dismissal, bowled by a delivery that kept low, effectively turned the tide in favour of the fielding team.

Grade: B+

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Danza Hyatt

The stocky right-hander was supporting Bravo in a fourth wicket stand of 75, the best of the innings, before a dreadful breakdown in communication resulted in his run out. Until then he was playing his kind of innings, blocking the good balls and blasting the poor ones, and WI looked on course for a score well over 200.

Grade: B-

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Kieron Pollard

The big man continues to flatter and deceive. He had nearly half the overs to bat and, with the devastating hitting we know he is capable of, could have seen WI in the vicinity of 300. Instead, after 33 deliveries from which he scored 13, he manufactured another soft dismissal. He did manage to pick up a wicket but, given the context of the match, was a tad bit expensive. Maybe it’s time to end this experiment.

Grade: C

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Denesh Ramdin

His work behind the stumps was solid but watching him in front of them one could not help but wonder how he managed to chalk up eight first-class centuries.

Grade: C

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Darren Sammy

The captain looked at sea with the bat before being put out of his misery by a delivery he knew nothing about. His captaincy was steady as was his bowling, until the 49^th over when he bowled too short and wide, then overcompensated by bowling too full, allowing boundaries to the numbers 10 and 11.

Grade: C

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Andre Russell

The belligerent Russell is definitely batting two places below his station. He showed that he knows how to keep the scoreboard ticking with his 22 from 20. He was the team’s most economical bowler while claiming two wickets to help reduce India to 59 for five. His dismissal of Suresh Raina was a classic fast bowler’s MO. Having forced the little left-hander on the back foot with several short balls he pitched one up and the Indian, caught on the crease, could only lob the catch up to mid-off.

Grade: B+

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Kemar Roach

He played with a straight bat and level head to ensure WI batted all 50 overs. He also claimed the first three Indian wickets early giving WI the belief that they could actually defend their modest total. His three no-balls and five wides are unacceptable at this level of the game however.

Grade: B+

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Anthony Martin

The live-wire leg-spinner was not very effective today, being picked off easily by the India openers. He did however; make a key breakthrough in the closing stages when his dismissal of Rohit Sharma for 72 briefly revived WI’s hopes.

Grade: C

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Grading the West Indies in India: the second Test

The West Indies were seeking to rebound after their five-wicket loss in Delhi. This was not to be however as, after spending the better part of two days in the field, they collapsed spectacularly for 153 in the first innings. Coming back from a first innings deficit of 478 was always going to be an uphill task and the most fans could have hoped for was a big second innings score and a draw. This was not to be however for, despite Darren Bravo’s century, they went down by an innings and 15 runs.

NB: If readers are thinking that the grades appear a bit harsher for the batsmen it is because I considered the track to be a batting paradise.

Adrian Barath

Back after another injury the little right-hander was out to a beauty in the first innings but buckled down to score a responsible 62 in the second. His impetuous shot-making proved his downfall however when he seemed to be on top of the bowling.

Grade: C+

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Kraigg Braithwaite

The obdurate teenager had a double failure, falling victim to a dubious decision in the first innings and showing a rare lapse in concentration the second time around. His brightest moment came when he claimed his first Test wicket that of Rahul Dravid when ‘the Wall’ was already well entrenched.

Grade: C-

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Kirk Edwards

Once again he demonstrated his willingness to apply himself. However, his manner of dismissal in the second innings, playing around a full delivery, must have left him a most disappointed man especially when he too seemed to have had control of the bowling.

Grade: C+

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Darren Bravo

The BCL clone overcame his problems against off-spinner Ashwin to slam his second Test century as WI struggled to save the game on the fourth day. It was ultimately in vain but during his brilliant 136 and his 30 in the first innings Bravo proved that he is up for the challenge presented by the Indian attack. His innings was not flawless but his willingness to attack the bowling was nicely balanced with the ability to be circumspect on those occasions when it was good. There is no doubt about this one. He is here to stay!

Grade: A

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Shivnarine Chanderpaul

The most senior batsman in the team followed up a rare failure in the first innings with a gritty 47 in the second. Another rarity, a false shot ended that second knock, even as he struggled with an injured calf, after adding 108 for the fourth wicket with Bravo. This is one occasion when he was getting the necessary support from his batting team mates.

Grade: C

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Marlon Samuels

The stylist has not delivered as promised on this leg of the tour. He flopped again in the first innings, scratching out an unimpressive 25. However, after another shaky start to the second knock he blossomed into something resembling the form he displayed at the start of the Bangladesh tour just over a month ago. He seemed well on his way to registering his third century, and second at the venue, when his tendency of playing back to good length balls caused his downfall for 84. His partnership of 132 with Bravo for the fifth wicket was the most substantial of the innings.

Grade: B-

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Carlton Baugh

Although he continued to impress behind the stumps his double failure in front did him no favours. This is especially so since his predecessor and rival for the position, Denesh Ramdin, was discarded for not scoring enough runs. Given Ramdin’s proven ability as a leader the scales could once again be tipping in the Trinidadian’s favour if Baugh continues in this vein.

Grade B-

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Darren Sammy

Like all his bowlers skipper Sammy toiled manfully on a batsman’s paradise, and ended with two wickets for his efforts. While batting his intent is obviously to play aggressively, but this he needs to temper with better shot selection. As captain he continues to be at a loss when opposition batsmen get set although one could make the case that not much could be done as a bowler on that pitch.

Grade: C

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Kemar Roach

Two of his no-balls probably made all the difference in this game. He found the edge of MS Dhoni’s bat on three occasions. The third one came after the Indian skipper had notched up 144 in a seventh wicket stand of 244 with VVS Laxman and was pouched by wicket-keeper Baugh. The previous edges were also snared by Baugh but both were off no-balls and Dhoni had not yet achieved double figures. Roach played this game after another illness to Ravi Rampaul, (and what a pitch to get that opportunity own) but it is situations like these where legends make their names, and he did not exactly help his cause.

Grade: C

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Fidel Edwards

The fiery pace man tended to bowl too short and was duly rewarded with just the one wicket. He needs to readjust his length if he wants to contribute to WI saving some face in the final game. A point to note: known more for his dour defensive approach to batting, he seems to have added a few shots to his repertoire.

Grade C

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Devendra Bishoo

The little leg-spinner bowled the most overs on his team but, like his mates, erred too often in length. His lone success was the wicket of the maestro Tendulkar who he also dismissed in Delhi.

Grade C

Grading the West Indies in India: the first Test

Following their 1-nil series win in Bangladesh the West Indies moved on to India where they took on the host just a week later in the first Test of a three-match series. Although the conditions were similar the same could not be said for the opposition. Nevertheless the visitors held their own for the first two days until a dismal batting performance in the second innings gave India the opportunity to sneak back into the game and eventually win by five wickets.

Kraigg Braithwaite

Braithwaite once again displayed remarkable powers of concentration and patience in his first innings 63 which was the team’s second highest in the match behind Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s 118. It was also part of the 108-run fourth wicket partnership with Chanderpaul. He could not repeat the effort in the second innings however. It would also help his cause if he learnt to rotate the strike a bit more.

Grade B-

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Kieron Powell

Following his good showing in the final Bangladeshi Test the upright lefthander would have been looking forward to a much sterner examination. It came and he flunked it, never really looking comfortable in the first innings and failing to get on top of his drive during the second when he failed to bother the scorers.

Grade D

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Kirk Edwards

Despite scoring only 15 and 33 Edwards looked the most accomplished of the WI batsmen apart from Chanderpaul. His inexperience in Indian conditions no doubt caused his first innings downfall and a horrible lack of judgment his second innings demise. The application he showed though bodes well for the rest of the tour.

Grade: C

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Darren Bravo

Coming off his career-best 195 in Bangladesh Bravo must have fancied his chances in India. However, the left-hander made 12 in both innings. He was troubled by off-spinner Ashwin in both innings, and dismissed by the debutant both times. On this evidence he will be in for a tough time in the rest of the series.

Grade: D

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Shivnarine Chanderpaul

The veteran left-hander was head and shoulders above his contemporaries during his two knocks. Watching him bat one wondered if they were playing on the same track. Chanderpaul easily racked up 118 in the first innings and seemed on his way to another century the second time around when he was undone by a beauty. He needs lots of support if WI are to come back into this series.

Grade A

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Marlon Samuels

Given his form in the Bangladesh ODIs and the fact that he is a senior batsman in the team Samuels is expected to play a leading role in run scorer. Added to that the fact that he and Chanderpaul are the only batsmen with Test experience in Indian and you get the picture why he has been a disappointment. In the little time he spent at the crease he looked distinctly uncomfortable, as difficult as that is to contemplate. His off-breaks proved useful in breaking partnerships in both innings but his batting needs to improve to provide the support Chanderpaul needs.

Grade: D+

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Carlton Baugh

The little wicket-keeper hardly put a foot (or glove) wrong during the two innings. His glove-work was supreme and his alertness accounted for at least one dismissal which might otherwise have gone abegging. With the bat he once again showed signs that his impetuous shot-making days might be over that is until, once again, he produced two such ill-advised shots which caused his downfall in both innings.

Grade: B+

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Darren Sammy

The skipper rang the changes well during the first innings and seemed to have his fielders in all the right places. He seemed to run out of ideas however when batting became easier in the Indian second innings. With the ball, his three wickets in the middle of the Indian first innings took the wind out of the hosts’ sails but, although getting the key wicket of Virender Sehwag, could not repeat his feat in the second. His second innings 42 showed signs that his shot selection is improving.

Grade: B

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Ravi Rampaul

The burly paceman did not get much help from the pitch although he did return to dismiss Rahul Dravid while cleaning up the tail in the first innings. He went wicket-less in the second and although he showed some potential with the bat contrived to throw his wicket away.

Grade: C

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Fidel Edwards

Like his new-ball partner Edwards found no assistance from the pitch although he produced two peaches to account for his wickets in both innings. With more of the same wickets expected in the next two games he and Rampaul will certainly need to make adjustments in their length AND line if they are to make any impression.

Grade: C

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Devendra Bishoo

The leg-spinner was on a high going into this game after his exploits against Bangladesh and, with Chanderpaul likening the track to the one in Bishoo’s home town at Albion, expectations were high for the little man. He struggled for consistency however and capturing the wickets of Sehwag, Laxman and the 15,000-run man Tendulkar would have been small consolation.

Grade: C

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Grading the West Indies in Bangladesh: the second Test

The West Indies beat Bangladesh by 229 runs in the second and final Test in Mirpur. The match – October 29-November 2 – was notable for centuries by Kirk Edwards and Darren Bravo (his first) and five-wicket hauls for fast bowler Fidel Edwards and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, also his first. It also signified the first overseas series victory for the regional team since 2003 in Zimbabwe. Along with the performances mentioned there were enough solid contributions from the others to classify this as an all-round team effort.

Kraigg Braithwaite

The teenager in his third Test recorded his highest score in the manner he has become renowned for, steady and purposeful. His first innings 50 was part of an opening stand of 100 which laid the foundation for a formidable WI total. A slight hesitation on his part, and a smart piece of fielding meant he failed to bother the scorers the second time around. Although showing good temperament he would need to add to his repertoire of scoring shots since at the highest level teams will only be too happy to exploit his favourite daub down to thirdman.

Grade: B-

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Kieran Powell

The tall Nevisian played his second Test after Lendl Simmons was ruled out injured. Renowned for his dashing stroke-play the left-hander tempered his natural instincts to compile a composed 72 in the first innings. Adopting a similar approach in the second innings might have produced another handy score but it was obvious he struggled with the restraint and gifted his wicket. He will do well to appreciate that every innings is a new one.

Grade: B-

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Kirk Edwards

Also in his third Test Edwards enhanced his growing reputation as a steady hand. His fighting 121 in the first innings was century number two in his short career and could only have been bettered by another three-figure score in the second innings. That he fell 14 short could be attributed more to a lapse in concentration than to any guile from the bowler, he was so in control.

Grade: A

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Darren Bravo

It took 10 Test matches to show up but when it did Bravo’s first century was a joy to behold. After failing in the first innings the left-hander made up with an innings that batted the Bangladeshis right out of the game. With the proverbial monkey off his back fans will be looking forward to more such innings from the left-hander. He also went a long way towards rescuing his reputation as a fielder with two sharp catches at forward shortleg.

Grade: A

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Shivnarine Chanderpaul

The veteran left-hander puttered around for an unconvincing 18 in the first innings before being undone by a beauty. He was a lot more fluent and enterprising the second time around when adding 143 for the fifth wicket with Bravo. His unbeaten 59 was complimented by some good slip catching.

Grade: B

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Marlon Samuels

Mr. Cool was fluent in his only turn at the crease. His 48 was crucial in helping WI from a tricky 232 for five in the first innings before, as we have become to expect from him, he threw it away. Still he made important breakthroughs in both innings bowling his off-spin for it to be a factor in his final grade.

Grade: B-

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Carlton Baugh

He didn’t spend much time in front of the stumps during his only appearance but turned in another competent performance behind them. He continues to do his reputation no harm since returning to the team late last year.

Grade: B-

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Darren Sammy

The beleaguered captain may have emerged from this match as the happiest member of the team. Constantly criticized by fans questioning his place in the team Sammy did not stick around for long when he batted. His medium-pacers provided containment in the first innings and broke two threatening partnerships in the second when he also held a couple of smart catches among four. As captain he hardly put a foot wrong apart from some questionable field placing in the first innings.

Grade: B-

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Kemar Roach

Once again the pace man was handed an opportunity through injury, this time to Ravi Rampaul, and once again he failed to make the most of it. He struggled with both his length and line in the first innings, and was only slightly better in the second when he picked up his only wicket, that of the Number 11. With tour matches dwindling in number these days Roach must make use of net sessions to prepare himself for when opportunities arrive.

Grade: C

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Fidel Edwards

Edwards’ assault on the Bangladeshi top order on the second day set the platform for what turned out to be a substantial first innings lead of 124. He claimed the first five wickets as the home side slumped to 59 for five. He was not as successful in the second although he did make the initial breakthrough.

Grade: A-

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Devendra Bishoo

The little leg-spinner registered his maiden five-wicket haul on the way to the best match figures by a West Indies spinner since the days of the legendary Lance Gibbs. His eight wickets were just reward for attacking the batsmen throughout the game. If there can be a criticism of Bishoo it would have to be his reluctance/inability to bowl the googly. Added to his armoury it should see him produce many more such hauls.

Grade: A

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Grading the West Indies in Bangladesh: the third ODI

The West Indies lost to Bangladesh by eight wickets in the third and final One-Day International, in the process recording their lowest score against that team. After they fell for 61 in 22 overs I was tempted to give them all an F but what would be the fun in that?  Still, I was a bit lenient towards the bowlers since they did not have a lot to work with. So, this is what I came up with.

Danza Hyatt

He never looked settled during his brief innings, due in part to his reluctance to get to the pitch of the full deliveries. It was one such that caused his downfall as his attempted hoick down the ground only ended up in the hands of second slip.

Grade: D

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Kieran Powell

In for his first match of the series after the in-form Lendl Simmons was given time-off compliments of a slight back injury. The Nevisian looked the best of the batsmen before his promising innings was undone by a beauty. The catch he put down at first slip could not have come any easier though.

Grade: C

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Marlon Samuels

His first failure of the series. Like Hyatt he never looked settled and his expansive drive reflected his impatience at the pressure created by some disciplined bowling in helpful conditions. Did return to bowl tidily and pick up a wicket.

Grade D+

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Darren Bravo

Like Pollard before him the left-hander gifted his wicket with a waft at a harmless delivery wide of off-stump.

Grade D

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Kieron Pollard

The manner of Pollard’s dismissal with his team three down with only 34 on the board is an accurate reflection of why he only averages 22 after 45 ODI matches. Branded a 20/20 specialist because of his explosive hitting in the shortest form of the game this was a great opportunity for him play a long innings. He let it slip.

Grade: F

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Darren Sammy

The captain, facing criticism for his lack of production threw away a golden opportunity to prove his doubters wrong, with bat and ball.

Grade: D

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Denesh Ramdin

Another wicket falling to a careless shot! He too wasted a perfect chance to justify the selectors’ decision to include him in this series ahead of Carlton Baugh.

Grade: D

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Carlos Braithwaite

Apart from Powell the only man to reach double figures but was not up to the task of handling the spinners. He did not get an opportunity to show his prowess with the ball.

Grade: D

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Andre Russell

Fans would have been hoping for a repeat of his unbeaten 92 against India earlier this year, but this was not to be. Like Braithwaite he was denied the chance to use the ball given the poor total.

Grade: D

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Kemar Roach

Displayed his usual level headedness but with no top order batsmen for him to support his vigil was always going to be in vain. With the ball he looked to be coming back into form by making like uncomfortable for all the batsmen.

Grade: B-

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Anthony Martin

One would not expect the Number 11 to handle the Bangladeshi spinners better than the top order batsmen but the slog that caused his dismissal was unnecessary given the amount of overs that remained. He did cause a few anxious moments for the batsmen when he bowled his leg-breaks.

Grade: C

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Grading the West Indies in Bangladesh: the second ODI

The West Indies beat Bangladesh by eight wickets with 44 balls to spare in the second ODI at Mirpur on October 15. Bangladesh were dismissed for 220 to which the West Indies replied with 221 for two. Here are the grades for that game.

Lendl Simmons

The opener followed up his 122 in the first game with a more sedate innings (80) which once again provided the backbone to WI’s successful run chase. His partnership with Samuels took the game completely away from the hosts, the only blemish being his dismissal when seemingly set for another three-figure score.

Grade: A-

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Danza Hyatt

Promoted to open the batting in the absence of an injured Adrian Barath the heavyset Jamaican got his team off to a solid start but threw away his wicket just when he seemed ready to change gears.

Grade: B

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Marlon Samuels

The languid Jamaican went one better than in the first game, he saw it through even hastening the end with a flurry of imperious shots. His unbeaten 88 came off a mere 74 balls and include 12 fours and one six. He certainly is reveling in his new role as senior batsman in the team. He completed a fine all-round effort by taking a wicket with his off-breaks and good catch in the outfield.

Grade: A

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Darren Bravo

The left-hander didn’t have a lot of work to do, at least not enough for a proper assessment.

Grade: N/A

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Kieron Pollard

Like Bravo, the big guy was not called on to do much today.

Grade: N/A

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Dinesh Ramdin

Relieved of the captaincy with the return of Darren Sammy, his wicket-keeping was once again flawless.

Grade: B

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Darren Sammy

Looked out of sorts today. Maybe he is still feeling the effects of the upset stomach which ruled him out of the opening game. Dropped an absolute dolly off of Roach and even the one that he caught he juggled. His field placing was also questionable at times but the WI captain did manage to pick up two wickets of successive deliveries to end the innings.

Grade: B-

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Andre Russell

Produced a brilliant piece of fielding to get rid of Abdul Razak. Troubled all the batsmen with his pace and bounce and, apart from his 9th over when he conceded 16, was on top of his game.

Grade: B

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Ravi Rampaul

He was a model of consistency. After picking up two early wickets he returned in three spells to maintain the pressure on the Bangladeshi batsmen.

Grade: B

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Devendra Bishoo

A lackluster showing from the little leg-spinner necessitated a mere five overs for him.  

Grade: C

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Kemar Roach

A much improved performance over the first match. His double strike in the second over put Bangladesh on the back foot a position from which they never recovered. Given the conditions he did prove to be a bit expensive however.

Grade: B

Grading the West Indies in Bangladesh: the first ODI

Well it has been a while since I patrolled these corridors and must say I missed you guys. Work and other commitments robbed me of the opportunity to spend the quality time I would love to spend with you, especially given the amount of blog fodder camping around West Indies cricket in the last eight months or so. However, (thankfully) my schedule has afforded me some slack time which I hope to make the most of. My first task back is to grade the performance of the West Indian players on the current tour of Bangladesh, beginning with the first One-Day International.

Right! So here we go: the first ODI, on October 13

Lendl Simmons

Since his return after the unexplained dropping from the Trinidadian has wasted little time in proving to the selectors the brouhaha raised over his omission was worth the energy. Before today he had passed 50 six times from nine ODI outings without carrying on to three-figures. Today however, was the day he chose to make that right. His 122 was purposely composed and provided the backbone for WI’s eventual 298 for four, and came just a few weeks after he was overlooked for a retainer contract.

Grade: A

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Adrian Barath

The diminutive right-hander, although labouring over his 21, provided a solid platform with Simmonds for the first wicket. A hamstring injury, the second such occurrence this year, however forced his retirement, from the match and possibly the series given the fact that hamstrings are notoriously difficult to repair. Barath’s has already sidelined him on two previous occasions and, compounded with this latest occurrence – along with his less than comfortable stay at the crease counts against him.

Grade: B-

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Marlon Samuels

The cool and calm Jamaican was unusually energized today, even doing a little jig after claiming one of his two wickets. His return early this year after a two-year suspension has revealed a more responsible approach to his cricket and his innings today reinforces his stated desire to finally deliver the goods his undoubted talent justifies. His off-breaks, which claimed two vital wickets, again proved useful. His one con would the manner of his dismissal after Simmonds had departed in the same over, at a time when he (Samuels) was expected to take over the anchor role.

Grade: A-

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Darren Bravo

The left-hander came to the wicket when WI lost Simmonds and Samuels in the same over and the team was getting ready to press on the accelerator Given those circumstances his 20 from 19 balls earns him a:

Grade B

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Kieron Pollard

The situation was tailor-made for the big guy when he walked to the middle to join Bravo and he set about ensuring he made the most of it. His 41 from 25 could not be off-set by his five overs for 37 but it did factor in his final grade.

Grade B+

Danza Hyatt

He was not left with much to do with the bat but made his mark in the field with some good saves on the boundary and a catch that deservesa 10.

Grade B

Andre Russell

The budding all-rounder was fast and used the short ball to good effect on a placid track. His two wickets do not reflect how well he bowled.

Grade B

Denesh Ramdin

Captain for the match, his keeping was flawless and his captaincy was not too far behind. He rotated the bowlers well and must have been pretty pleased with theirs’ and the fielders’ response in his first game as WI captain.

Grade B+

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Devendra Bishoo

The little leg-spinner was his usual reliable self, making an important breakthrough and turning his leg-breaks on a track even the much touted Bangladesh spinners could not get purchase on.

Grade B

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Ravi Rampaul

Rampaul once again showed why I consider him the best fast bowler available to the WI. He was miserly up front, albeit without his usual early strike, and returned to use the short ball with telling effect.

Grade B+

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Kemar Roach

More than anyone else the young fast bowler should have relished the opportunity presented by sickness to captain Darren Sammy. He failed to grasp it, looking lethargic and never troubling the batsmen.

Grade C+

Can Guyana do it again?

It’s Twenty20 time again; the West Indies Cricket Board version that is. Starting January 10 the seven regional teams will be joined by Canada, and English counties Somerset and Hampshire in the quest for supremacy. The highest finishing regional team will have the added incentive of being the WICB’s representative at this year’s Champions League.

As we have seen in previous tournaments of this format favourites are not easy to choose. It is the nature of the game that a team could be playing the best cricket throughout and in a split second, when it matters most, lose it all. An example that comes to mind is that of Barbados in the last WICB competition in August. In my opinion they were great throughout and were all set to roll over Guyana when Jonathon Foo appeared and snatched their dream away with the help of the hapless Larry Babb.

Let me say however, that I don’t believe either of the county teams will win this, neither will the Windward Islands or the Combined Campuses. And of course I doubt anyone, not even the Canadians themselves, gives Canada a chance of even reaching the semi-finals. That leaves defending champions Guyana; the only other team to win a regional T20 tournament, Trinidad and Tobago; powerhouses Jamaica; the consistent Barbados; and the dangerous Leeward Islands.

The T20 was a novelty when Guyana won the Stanford tournament in 2006, so no one knew what to expect. By 2008 Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago were beginning to emerge as teams which had gotten the hang of the game’s shortest version. However, I still had my doubts about the Guyanese at the start of the 2010 competition – mainly because of the turmoil engulfing the GCB and their resultant poor showing in the other formats. It seems though the Guyanese just up the ante when it comes to T20, and with the experience of Chanderpaul and Sarwan, along with the youthful talent of Foo and all-rounder Chris Barnwell, you just cannot count them out – ever.

Jamaica, despite their abundance of talent, have yet to demonstrate they will not fold when confronted – in the pressure games – by the serious challengers. Their biggest win (could be only too) came in Stanford Edition 2 when they topped Guyana by one run in the semis, and that too after some serious misunderstanding by the Guyanese batsmen at the crease when the last ball was bowled. Having their most destructive batsman, Chris Gayle, unavailable would also not help the Jamaicans’ chances. However, their X-factor could be having Gus Logie as coach. He has proven his expertise elsewhere but can he catalyze the Jamaican juggernaut into transforming their dominance from four-day to three-hour cricket?

Barbados, although not winning many titles have been very consistent in recent years, in all three formats of the game and, like I mentioned above, I believe they were good enough to win last year’s tournament until Foo and Babb intervened. A team without stars (although Tino Best might beg to differ), they have learnt to depend on the collective and that should stand them in good stead. It’s only a matter of time before their luck changes.

Trinidad and Tobago, in the previous tournaments – including the 2009 Champions Trophy - seemed the most adept at this form of the game, even giving their fans a sense of entitlement to the extent they figured it was a foregone conclusion they would have been going to South Africa last year. The Guyanese burst their bubble then, just like they did in 2006.  

And while the Trinis may have gotten a leg up on the other territories in the earlier competitions I believe they others are catching up. That, and the absence of Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard, would make it double difficult for the boys from the land of the humming bird to go all the way.

We now come to the Leeward Islands, as talented a team as any of the others. Their downfall in recent years has been inadequate preparation. The Leewards’ authorities have consistently been naming their teams long after the other territories have submitted theirs, with the latest squad being released a week before the WICB T20 starts. Time spent together is important for a team and thus, given their talent, the longer the tournament the more dangerous the Leewards become. That is why I believe that if they can make it to the semi-finals I have no doubt that the Leeward Islands can go all the way.