West Indies 2005 Domestic Cricket

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Jamaica march on Roseboy! Do you think they'll be disrupted by the return of the international players?

Overall, the standard of play seems to have picked up. Sounds like a terrific 4th innings batting performance by Guyana to hand Barbados a 4th straight loss and good to see Devon Smith return to form to lead the Windwards to victory against the Leewards.

By the way, have you seen anything of Nikita Miller? On the face of it he seems to be having a sensational season, but none of the reports I've read shed much light on how well he's actually bowling.

What I've seen of Nikita Miller, it appears he's a McGarrell type bowler. He'll produce an excellent delivery here and there, but largely just plugs away and gets the batsmen to play poor strokes. He has bowled quite well though.

For Jamaica I'd go with...

CH Gayle
XM Marshall
DJ Pagon
WW Hinds *
TL Lambert - future star
MN Samuels
DE Bernard
CS Baugh +
DB Powell
NO Miller
DM Washington

Hyatt unlucky to miss out, as are Bevon and Odean Brown (big potential IMO), but I think that that's the best lineup Jamaica can put out. I'd call them unbeatable within the Carib Beer Series with it.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Other teams I'd go with...

T&T
LMP Simmons
IH Jan - unsure of his fitness
DJJ Bravo
BC Lara
D Ganga *
RL Powell
D Ramdin +
R Kelly
RR Emrit
M Dillon
A Jaggernauth

Pretty good side. Nice balance IMO. Dillon hopefully would add to the bowling and all in all there are 5 good bowling options there. Richard Kelly also showed he can definitely bat, so he plays as an allrounder instead of one more specialist batsman.

There comes a time when a player out of form needs a reality check. Time for Mohammed to get dropped and get his act together. Jaggernauth stays in the team.

Barbados
SL Campbell
DM Richards
MA Nurse - I prefer him at 3.
DR Smith - needs to learn to bat soon.
CO Browne * - plays as a specialist bat to allow Patrick Browne to play.
KJ Wilkinson - due no other player seemingly good enough.
PA Browne +
IDR Bradshaw
PT Collins
CD Collymore
JP Bennett - HUGE potential.

Excellent bowling attack, but weak batting IMO. With Dwayne Smith at 4...

Guyana
R Ramdass
N Deonarine
RR Sarwan
S Chanderpaul *
AB Fudadin - big talent.
D Daesrath - another talent.
NC McGarrell
MV Nagamootoo
V Nagamootoo +
I Jafferally
RD King

Pretty deep batting, considering that McGarell and the two Nagamootoos can hold a bat. I'd prefer not to see Deonarine opening, but I don't see any one else who I'd rather have there.

Leewards and Windwards have no one returning.

 

[garage flower]

Interesting stuff.

How much domestic cricket do you get to see? Is first class cricket televised in the Caribbean and do you go to see many T&T home games?

Last year I saw some sketchy highlights on an obscure satellite channel in the UK. It was "old style" coverage with the cameras at just one end, which took a lot of getting used to (and as it was about 3am and - from memory - highlights from the previous season's competition, I didn't stick with it for too long).

EDIT: Injury problems to a number of the returning internationals mean that Gayle is out (and Parchment in) for Jamaica and only Bravo returns for T&T (Dillon, Lara, Powell out).

 

[roseboy64]

Well, domestic cricket is broadcast here in Jamaica, only one station does that though.All I get to see for FC cricket is highlights and news packages.

 

[roseboy64]

I don't think the return of the internationals will disrupt the team.The only worry I have is whether Wavell Hinds will be able to produce the same results as Lambert.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Interesting stuff.

How much domestic cricket do you get to see? Is first class cricket televised in the Caribbean and do you go to see many T&T home games?

Last year I saw some sketchy highlights on an obscure satellite channel in the UK. It was "old style" coverage with the cameras at just one end, which took a lot of getting used to (and as it was about 3am and - from memory - highlights from the previous season's competition, I didn't stick with it for too long).

EDIT: Injury problems to a number of the returning internationals mean that Gayle is out (and Parchment in) for Jamaica and only Bravo returns for T&T (Dillon, Lara, Powell out).

The only televised domestic cricket we get is semis and finals. We do get highlights weekly though. I attend every home game I have the chance to.

It is pretty old style coverage because it's not a commercial venture really. Just more of a documenting thing.

T&T have a lot of problems this round. Not only will Lara/Powell/Dillon be unavailable, but Babwah/Jan/Mohammed are being disciplined and Sherwin Ganga is injured. That means a lot of new faces will be in.

 

[garage flower]

Promising news on the injury front.

Fidel Edwards and Tino Best both had a run-out at the weekend and Fidel's in the Barbados squad for Round 7 of the domestic competition, starting Friday.

Unfortunately, another promising young bowler in Jason Bennett has had to make way.

Generally, the batting seems to be picking up now as the weather becomes a bit frendlier. Ramdass made a second century in consecutive games at the weekend and Pagon was in the runs again. They may both be players for the future, but hopefully won't be pushed into the frame this season.

Devon Smith made 99, to follow his ton and unbeaten half-century in the previous game. He's right back in the running for a top-order spot in the 1st test.

Dwayne Smith made a century and took wickets to be named man of the match in Barbados's 1st win of the season, but reports suggest the 100 was nothing to get excited about. He was dropped 4 or 5 times, including a couple of simple chances early in his innings. Sounds like he's still intent on squandering his talent.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

I think Bennett has already made an exceptional impression and Barbados hasn't played well at all. With that in mind, you'd think they'd be more resting him and giving some exposure to Best and Edwards than dropping him. Look at all the quality seam about Barbados. Tough job to pick 3 or 4.

Regarding Dwayne Smith. I'm convinced he's the most talented player to play for the region since Lara, but I'd not have him near my Test team until he shows me he has the brain to complement it. He played a very determined and patient century in last year's competition and then played a couple of impressive ODI innings, but things really fell apart from there in the seaming conditions of England. In that instance, I don't think it was shot selection as much as incompetence again the seaming ball. You just don't see those conditions here.

There must be mention of Ramdin's maiden FC ton too, as well as a couple of solid innings by Bravo on return. The hope is that both can score some big runs to finish the season and make the selectors' jobs extremely difficult. I'd still be inclined to go with Baugh initially though.

 

[garage flower]

There must be mention of Ramdin's maiden FC ton too, as well as a couple of solid innings by Bravo on return. The hope is that both can score some big runs to finish the season and make the selectors' jobs extremely difficult. I'd still be inclined to go with Baugh initially though.

Forgot about Ramdin - scored in difficult circumstances trying to save the game, so doubly encouraging.

I think I'd still go with Browne as 'keeper (or Jacobs if he's making himself available) for the 1st test.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

I think I'd still go with Browne as 'keeper (or Jacobs if he's making himself available) for the 1st test.

Browne has kept wicket exceptionally lately no doubt, but I'm not sure if I'd go with him if Baugh and Ramdin are playing well. Ramdin is a better wicketkeeper than Baugh - worth noting.

Ideally I'd like Jacobs for his last hurrah, because he seems in good touch too, but I doubt the selectors will go that way.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Just caught some highlights of the Jamaica v Leewards game over the weekend and some things occurred to me...

Omari Banks seems to have changed his action and it certainly isn't doing him wonders with the ball. He still looks a class player when he's at the crease though. Shame he isn't scoring many runs.

Ridley Jacobs has still got it.

Donovan Pagon is an exceptionally talented batsman. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't play for the West Indies before the next World Cup.

Marlon Samuels has changed his stance it seems. Looks quite odd.

Carlton Baugh jr. played one of the most majestic offdrives I have ever seen. He was bowled offstump a couple balls after.

Dave Bernard jr. is a good player. I had my doubts about him after he debuted v. Australia, but he is a very promising batsman and a more than handy bowler. Look out for him yet.

Kerry Jeremy is an under-rated bowler. He's been mistreated by the selectors and would be a big asset IMO, especially in ODIs.

 

[garage flower]

Just caught some highlights of the Jamaica v Leewards game over the weekend and some things occurred to me...

Omari Banks seems to have changed his action and it certainly isn't doing him wonders with the ball. He still looks a class player when he's at the crease though. Shame he isn't scoring many runs.

Ridley Jacobs has still got it.

Donovan Pagon is an exceptionally talented batsman. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't play for the West Indies before the next World Cup.

Marlon Samuels has changed his stance it seems. Looks quite odd.

Carlton Baugh jr. played one of the most majestic offdrives I have ever seen. He was bowled offstump a couple balls after.

Dave Bernard jr. is a good player. I had my doubts about him after he debuted v. Australia, but he is a very promising batsman and a more than handy bowler. Look out for him yet.

Kerry Jeremy is an under-rated bowler. He's been mistreated by the selectors and would be a big asset IMO, especially in ODIs.

Any more detail on Pagon in terms of his style of play. Does he move his feet more than his test-playing compatriots?

Although I've only got his domestic stats and the odd report to go on, I'm surprised that Jeremy hasn't had a look in in the last couple of years.

With regard to Baugh, I'm a bit worried that he's a "shot-a-ball" merchant like Dwayne Smith.

 

[roseboy64]

Baugh is like that but he's got more of a head than Smith.

 

[roseboy64]

It was revealed that the minds of the West Indies players wasn't on cricket for most of the VB Series.Sounds were heard coming from the players' rooms the nights before and after matches.Also, some of the senior players were a bit unresponsive, namely Lara.And, the C&W players weren't exactly cooperative with the Digicel guys.

 

[steds]

Carlton Baugh jr. played one of the most majestic offdrives I have ever seen. He was bowled offstump a couple balls after.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Any more detail on Pagon in terms of his style of play. Does he move his feet more than his test-playing compatriots?

Although I've only got his domestic stats and the odd report to go on, I'm surprised that Jeremy hasn't had a look in in the last couple of years.

With regard to Baugh, I'm a bit worried that he's a "shot-a-ball" merchant like Dwayne Smith.

Pagon looked very composed and assured at his crease and the feet were moving very nicely.

Jeremy is an accurate, nagging bowler who does a little off the seam and gets results. A bit like Bradshaw.

Baugh is the West Indian Geraint Jones IMO. Not the best 'keeper, but a decent batsman who can certainly strike the ball. He's naturally aggressive, but doesn't get out to the ridiculous shots as often as Smith.

Add to my list of observations, Richard Kelly is looking extremely good with the ball this season. He was also quite good in the Red Stripe Bowl, so keep an eye out for him. Mervyn Dillon also looked good yesterday, I hesitate to say.

Ridley Jacobs continues to push his claim for a Test spot.

 

[roseboy64]

Dillon should never play for the West Indies again.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Impressive win by Trinidad and Tobago over Jamaica. Lendl Simmons (Phil's nephew) scored his maiden FC hundred and went on to get 200. Denesh Ramdin also got a good 60, whilst Richard Kelly smashed 4 sixes and 2 fours in his 62. Jamaica struggled in the chase, but for Carlton Baugh's brilliance. He scored 150 out of 289. Donavan Pagon got 76.

Dave Mohammed (8 wickets in the game) bowled very well in this game, whilst Dillon bowled well initially in the first innings without luck.

Around the region, Ryan Ramdass (142) scored his third career FC hundred - all this year (in his last 4 games I think). Narsingh Deonarine (107 not out) also among the runs again, whilst Sewnarine Chattergoon (77) got a score too. Very promisingly, Ryan Hinds scored 111 out of Barbados' 225 all out. Dwayne Smith (19) was the next highest scorer. The word is that Fidel Edwards (2/78) is bowling with very impressive pace and spirit. Sylvester Joseph scored 49 to follow on from his first innings ton.

Deonarine, Ramdass, Kelly, Baugh, Ramdin, Mohammed, Jacobs, Cornwall, Butler, Peters, Daren Powell and Jerome Taylor all have good chances of featuring in the international side this season.

 

[steds]

All hail Dave Mohammed (but not as much as Didier Drogba, mind )

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Dwayne Smith partnered Sherwin Campbell for 113 runs in the second Bajan innings. Smith scored 93 of the runs. He reached 50 off 31 balls and 93 off 79 balls. 9 fours and 6 sixes.