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The Windies are coming
By Ranil Abeynaike
The West Indians were cricket's original entertainers. It was they who approached the game in their own cavalier and somewhat unorthodox style. Before the advent of one dayers the approach was systematic, unrushed and hugging the techniques of the sport.

It was different with the players from the Caribbean islands. They played in a carefree style. Their natural talent and aestheticism dominated performances. So they were different. A lot of beach cricket influenced their style of play. Overall they were the entertainers of world cricket.

Then disaster struck in the late nineteen ninetees. Other nations who were behind like India, Pakistan, New Zealand and even then new comers Sri Lanka, began to overtake them and the once feared mighty West Indians started to become easy meat.

Without a solid infrastructure they really struggled. They could not unite in the face of crisis. As the years rolled by it was a case of stumbling from bad to worse. Through this period a star - surrounded by controversy - shone brightly. Brian Charles Lara dominated with the bat. He broke many a record as he progressed through the ranks, to be titled "best in the world". His strength was to concentrate, bat for long periods and make massive scores.

His second tenure as captain began a resurgence in the performances of the team. They began to earn some respect and Lara's own form was consistent. Some reliable batsmen had appeared on the scene but the bowling was still inadequate. The squabbles though, were not over. Even up to a few months back there were disagreements between some players and the administrators over advertising contracts.

The fourth test at Antigua tons of runs. Two innings was barely finished over five days! Chrys Gale knocked a triple century and could now be included amongst the top bracket of international batsmen. The tall, hard-hitting left hand opening batsman has now over a few years demonstrated his class in both test and one day cricket. His temperament is also very sound making him a complete player.

There is going to be an abundance of West Indian talent on display in the forthcoming weeks. Their 'A' team arrives at the end of this month for a series of games. It is more than likely a few of the fringe players selected for National tour will be in the party. Ideal exposure and experience.

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