rediff.com
News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Rediff.com  » Cricket » 'Time for serious decisions in Windies cricket'
This article was first published 13 years ago

'Time for serious decisions in Windies cricket'

Last updated on: March 24, 2011 12:32 IST

Image: Ottis Gibson
Photographs: Getty Images Bikash Mohapatra

The wicket didn't get anybody out," lamented Ottis Gibson, shortly after the West Indies suffered a humiliating 10-wicket defeat to Pakistan, thereby abruptly ending their World Cup campaign.

"It was a combination of poor batting and lack of confidence," continued the coach, explaining the Caribbean performance (rather lack of it) that saw them struggle to a meager 112 runs after opting to bat first in the first semi-final of the World Cup on Wednesday.

- 'No bigger match-up than India vs Pakistan'

Gibson was categorical in his criticism of the team's batting line-up.

"Our batsmen didn't perform consistently throughout the tournament," he admitted, adding, "You can do as much on the nets.

"Eventually, it comes down to an individual taking on the responsibility."

'Not happy with the performance of our seniors'

Image: West Indies captain Darren Sammy
Photographs: Getty Images

The coach also was blunt in his opinion about the efforts of the senior members in the squad.

"I am not very happy with the performance of our senior players," he said, denying that he was getting a tad too critical.

"It is not a criticism but fact," said Gibson, adding, "And the fact is that the senior players haven't performed well at all in this tournament."

- WC: The best and worst players from the 14 teams

- The 2011 World Cup

The coach though spared his captain (Darren Sammy) the blushes.

"Taking the situation into account, the captain is doing the best he can," he admitted.

"But, as a player, he has not performed as well as he was expected to and he understands that," he added.

'Have to ensure changes happen as soon as possible'

Image: West Indies' players walk off the field after their loss against Pakistan
Photographs: Reuters

The West Indies have not beaten a top cricketing nation since June 2009, when it beat India at Sabina Park (Jamaica), and Wednesday's loss to Pakistan extended that unwanted record to 35 matches.

Asked what is to be done to get West Indies cricket back on track from the abysmal depths it has thrust itself into, Gibson was again categorical.

"West Indies cricket has pretty much been the same for the last 10 years," he said, adding, "It is time when some serious decisions have to be made about the players.

"And we will have to ensure the changes happen as soon as possible."