**Official** West Indies in England 2012

[AaronK]

I still haven't forgiving him.. he is putting IPL over West Indies..

IPL is not real cricket.. Chris.. please play test

 

[Arachnodouche]

The whole thing is laughable, from the circus that is the WICB to Gayle's inflated sense of self. Early summer conditions against Anderson & co., it's all set to be a hilarious anti climax.

 

[AndyZaltzHair]

doesn't look like RCB going to the playoffs; 2nd Test maybe? 300 runs in one of ODIs is a possibilty

 

[theegyptian]

Gayle was a disgrace on West Indies last tour of England with completely the wrong attitude- and he didn't score any runs either.

What makes anyone think this is going to be any different?

If he does play England's bowling is likely to be too good and consistent for Gayle in the conditions. Playing nonstop T20 for a couple of years is hardly good preparation for a tour like this.

 

[WindieWeathers]

Narine likely wouldn't make the side,

There's only one word that comes to mind here, and that's BLASPHEME!! , there's no question whatsoever that if Narine wasn't at the IPL he would have played against the Aussies and would be in the team to face England, why? because he's by far best spinner we've produced since Lance Gibbs, that's why!! ,

Anyway folks let me give you the low down on Shannon Gabriel, ever since he made his debut for Trinidad around two years ago there's been a lot of hype around the lad, so much so that the WI selectors went to watch him play in only his second FC match, now in his first few games he only got a few wickets but his pace and control was causing all sorts of problems, and the more he played the more impressive he was,

As a result of his early promise he was picked for the A-team alongside the likes of Darren Bravo, Shillingford and Kirk Edwards and done ok, after that he had a spell with the HPC aka the 'High Performance Centre' where he had the opportunity to work one on one with Ottis Gibson, reports emerged that Gibbo was impressed but wanted him to have more FC experience, so this season he played again for Trinidad and really done well, took 24 wickets at an average of 25,

No doubt he's still a little rough around the edges but if he does develop the right way then many feel he could be a very dangerous prospect, he stands at 6'3 tall and is built like Philander, his pace is similar to Roach if not faster, HERE is a glimpse of him in action for HPC late last year when he gets a wicket around the 2:05 mark,

As for the rest of he team, delighted Baugh has been dropped and i think Ramdin has really improved with the bat of late so hopefully he grabs this second chance with both hands, pity about young Brathwaite but he's only 19 so he'll learn from this experience and hopefully come back stronger, Kirk Edwards is obviously gonna make a huge difference after we missed him for the last two test vs Aus, and i'm eager to see how Fudadin gets on in the warm up matches as i still think that number six spot is up for grabs,

Going with the squad picked i'd still keep faith with the young openers and pick this side.

Powell
Barath
Edwards
Darren Bravo
Chanderpaul
Samuels/Fudadin
Ramdin
Sammy (no choice)
Roach
Gabriel/Rampaul (depends if Ravi manages to get in shape)
Shillingford

We'll be up against it that's for sure, but if the lads show some fight who knows what could happen? we've shocked England before so anything is possible i think , the tests might be out of our reach but the ODI's is a series i truly believe we can win it to be honest.

 

[Dan]

Narine likely wouldn't make the side

WW to explode when he comes back.

There's only one word that comes to mind here, and that's BLASPHEME!! , there's no question whatsoever that if Narine wasn't at the IPL he would have played against the Aussies and would be in the team to face England, why? because he's by far best spinner we've produced since Lance Gibbs, that's why!! ,

...

 

[TT Boy]

There's only one word that comes to mind here, and that's BLASPHEME!! , there's no question whatsoever that if Narine wasn't at the IPL he would have played against the Aussies and would be in the team to face England, why? because he's by far best spinner we've produced since Lance Gibbs, that's why!! ,

Anyway folks let me give you the low down on Shannon Gabriel, ever since he made his debut for Trinidad around two years ago there's been a lot of hype around the lad, so much so that the WI selectors went to watch him play in only his second FC match, now in his first few games he only got a few wickets but his pace and control was causing all sorts of problems, and the more he played the more impressive he was,

As a result of his early promise he was picked for the A-team alongside the likes of Darren Bravo, Shillingford and Kirk Edwards and done ok, after that he had a spell with the HPC aka the 'High Performance Centre' where he had the opportunity to work one on one with Ottis Gibson, reports emerged that Gibbo was impressed but wanted him to have more FC experience, so this season he played again for Trinidad and really done well, took 24 wickets at an average of 25,

No doubt he's still a little rough around the edges but if he does develop the right way then many feel he could be a very dangerous prospect, he stands at 6'3 tall and is built like Philander, his pace is similar to Roach if not faster, HERE is a glimpse of him in action for HPC late last year when he gets a wicket around the 2:05 mark,

As for the rest of he team, delighted Baugh has been dropped and i think Ramdin has really improved with the bat of late so hopefully he grabs this second chance with both hands, pity about young Brathwaite but he's only 19 so he'll learn from this experience and hopefully come back stronger, Kirk Edwards is obviously gonna make a huge difference after we missed him for the last two test vs Aus, and i'm eager to see how Fudadin gets on in the warm up matches as i still think that number six spot is up for grabs,

Going with the squad picked i'd still keep faith with the young openers and pick this side.

Powell
Barath
Edwards
Darren Bravo
Chanderpaul
Samuels/Fudadin
Ramdin
Sammy (no choice)
Roach
Gabriel/Rampaul (depends if Ravi manages to get in shape)
Shillingford

We'll be up against it that's for sure, but if the lads show some fight who knows what could happen? we've shocked England before so anything is possible i think , the tests might be out of our reach but the ODI's is a series i truly believe we can win it to be honest.

I would go with that. If the Holy Trinity, Pollard, Russell and Sammy come off, then anything is on. Chuck Gayle in the mix and they are a seriously dangerous one day outfit. That may be countered if the wickets have any life in them mind. As far as the tests go, no chance. Will struggle for 20 wickets and the batting is line-up is awful.

 

[WindieWeathers]

I would go with that. If the Holy Trinity, Pollard, Russell and Sammy come off, then anything is on. Chuck Gayle in the mix and they are a seriously dangerous one day outfit. That may be countered if the wickets have any life in them mind. As far as the tests go, no chance. Will struggle for 20 wickets and the batting is line-up is awful.

Well where the batting is concerned it all depends on the top two, if they get a good start them i'm confident the middle three who of Edwards, Bravo and Chanders can build on that and give us a decent shout, Ramdin is also a much better number seven than Baugh is imo so he could also chip in with some runs,

I also disagree with the 20 wickets line, Roach is in the form of his life and Shilly is confident, all it takes is for Gabriel or Rampaul to fire and i think we're more than capable of bowling them out twice, it's not like they've been setting the world alight over the last few series is it? .

 

[Jacknife]

Well where the batting is concerned it all depends on the top two, if they get a good start them i'm confident the middle three who of Edwards, Bravo and Chanders can build on that and give us a decent shout, Ramdin is also a much better number seven than Baugh is imo so he could also chip in with some runs,

I also disagree with the 20 wickets line, Roach is in the form of his life and Shilly is confident, all it takes is for Gabriel or Rampaul to fire and i think we're more than capable of bowling them out twice, it's not like they've been setting the world alight over the last few series is it? .

Yes because England are the same animal playing in the Sub Continent as they are in England aren't they.

 

[theegyptian]

Well where the batting is concerned it all depends on the top two, if they get a good start them i'm confident the middle three who of Edwards, Bravo and Chanders can build on that and give us a decent shout, Ramdin is also a much better number seven than Baugh is imo so he could also chip in with some runs,

I also disagree with the 20 wickets line, Roach is in the form of his life and Shilly is confident, all it takes is for Gabriel or Rampaul to fire and i think we're more than capable of bowling them out twice, it's not like they've been setting the world alight over the last few series is it? .

yes unlikely to be a really high scoring series. 420 plays 140 and 200 imo.

 

[vic_orthdox]

Yes because England are the same animal playing in the Sub Continent as they are in England aren't they.

I believe that's called, "The Indian defence".

 

[Jacknife]

I believe that's called, "The Indian defence".

Bastard, I promised myself I wouldn't do it.

 

[NUFAN]

yes unlikely to be a really high scoring series. 420 plays 140 and 200 imo.

Hopefully Chanderpaul moves up to 4 in the order. Its criminal how often he bats with the tail so early in his innings. I would keep Deonarine in at 6 as he shows some fighting qualities.

1. Barath 2. Edwards 3. Bravo 4. Chanderpaul 5. Samuels 6. Deonarine 7. Ramdin is my 7 given the available players.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Well where the batting is concerned it all depends on the top two, if they get a good start them i'm confident the middle three who of Edwards, Bravo and Chanders can build on that and give us a decent shout, Ramdin is also a much better number seven than Baugh is imo so he could also chip in with some runs,

I also disagree with the 20 wickets line, Roach is in the form of his life and Shilly is confident, all it takes is for Gabriel or Rampaul to fire and i think we're more than capable of bowling them out twice, it's not like they've been setting the world alight over the last few series is it? .

I'll be very surprised if Shillingford does anything over here in May/early June given what the weather has been like. Part-time spin or chucks from Samuels will likely get hammered. I can't see the West Indies bowling attack maintaining pressure.

West Indies' batting it goes without saying I would expect to be torn to pieces on a few occasions.

 

[weeman27bob]

I believe that's called, "The Indian defence".

Indian defence wasn't very good in England IIRC.

 

[NasserFan207]

Not worried about the WI bowling attack, they should do well in England. Can see them picking up 20 wickets regularly, so long as they pick the right lads. Sammy will do well in those conditions.

Batting is obviously a shambles though, and England are going to roll them no matter what (apart from Shiv). Gayle is definitely a plus however, no matter what people say. He should really play tests like an ODI in all honesty. WI have been lacking major firepower up top, which Gayle can provide.

You've got to wonder whether Pollard, Dwayne Bravo and the like would be much better than some of these so called 'test' batsmen currently being used. Sammy was very successful against OZ, perhaps attack is the best route for WI to go down batting-wise.

 

[GIMH]

I believe that's called, "The Indian defence".

Doesn't change the fact that it makes most sides unlikely to beat us at home. It's not like he said it to support a claim of us being the best side around.

 

[Cricketismylife]

Hopefully Chanderpaul moves up to 4 in the order. Its criminal how often he bats with the tail so early in his innings. I would keep Deonarine in at 6 as he shows some fighting qualities.

1. Barath 2. Edwards 3. Bravo 4. Chanderpaul 5. Samuels 6. Deonarine 7. Ramdin is my 7 given the available players.

I see how your point about Chanderpaul may seem necessary, but I actually think it's better for West Indies if Chanderpaul comes in at 5, the reason being that they need him to face as little of the new ball as possible, while leaving him the maximum time to bat. If he bats at 6, the tail end issue will be even bigger, if he bats at 4 he's more exposed to fresh bowlers with the new cherry. They see 5 as the position which has the perfect balance of those 2 things.

As superb a batsman Chanderpaul is, like all batsman he is more likely to get out when facing the new ball. Those magic deliveries that Anderson and Broad produce will tend to happen more with the new ball, and West Indies can't really afford to lose Chanderpaul early. It may sound like a cop out hiding your best batsman, but the real issue is that the other West Indian batsman have not shown that they can score runs when the conditions are easier. If West Indies are say 30-3 after 15 with Chanderpaul in without having to face the new ball, they can at least rely on Chanderpaul to not give his wicket away. If they are 15-2 after 8, then Chanderpaul could stop the decline, but there would be a much greater chance of him being dismissed, and if West Indies are 30-3 after 15 with him out, I wouldn't trust the other batsman to "take advantage" of the older ball.

If we take the Australia series, the main opportunity Australia had in dismissing Chanderpaul was with either the first or second new ball. In the first innings of the first test, he avoided it since the top order actually did their job. In the second innings he came in extremely early and got a good one from Harris. In the next text he was dismissed shortly after the second new ball was taken, and the same thing happened again in the first innings of the third test.

There is no doubt that in the team he is the best equipped to deal with the new ball, and the issue of running out of partners will be lessened by batting at 4, but I believe that they really cant afford to increase his chances of being dismissed. Also he has been scoring so heavily at 5, I wouldnt want to mess with that at all.

I do think Darren Bravo and Kirk Edwards are the real deal when it comes to being test class, which is something that cannot be taken for granted with West Indies. Whether Edwards especially can score runs in May, against this bowling attack, with his unconvential technique is another matter. So far I'm impressed by his attitude, concentration and shot selection, but he looks like he might be vulnerable to the away swinger pitched on middle, and he will have to find a way to counter Anderson.

 

[Howe_zat]

indian defence wasn't very good in england iirc.

zing!

 

[Woodster]

As well as the WI attack can perform on a day where they get everything right, I do think we'll score ample runs and at a healthy rate too. Roach will certainly be a handful and even Sammy may be effective at times, but I don't think they'll maintain enough discipline to really dry things up and make it difficult for us to keep the board ticking, in general terms.

As for the WI batting, they'll find it very difficult against the moving ball and our outstanding exponents of such conditions. Chanderpaul of course has seen it all before and I expect him to frustrate us on at least one or two occasions, but there's enough frailties in the line-up for us to be able to afford a lengthy Chanderpaul stay.

I'm sure Darren Bravo will benefit from his spell at Notts last season so these conditions will not be completely alien to him, even so, it'll be another big test for clearly a very talented young batsman.