West Indies Story

[Robertinho]

And so ends the tour of India. A failure, in every respect.

Dela Cruz had the following to say: "Yes, I am extremely disappointed. We failed to win - wait, failed to even draw against India, in all tests and ODI's, which by my standards simply isn't good enough. India are lethal at home, but no excuse for the dismal form. I look forward to the World Cup though - we have high expectations after this shocking series. Let us forgive and forget."

3 Test Series
Test Series in India - India vs. West Indies
1st Test India won by 10 wickets.
2nd Test India won by 279 runs.
3rd Test India won by 5 wickets.
India Wins the 3 Test Series 3-0


3 ODI Series
ODI Series in India - India vs. West Indies
1st ODI India won by 8 wickets.
2nd ODI India won by 68 runs.
3rd ODI India won by 6 wickets.
India Wins the 3 ODI Series 3-0

 

[Robertinho]

THE 2003 WORLD CUP IN SOUTH AFRICA

The West Indies, led by Robertinho Dela Cruz, were just recovering from a disheartening tour of India which involved 6 straight losses - and no wins. They were, however, confident that their fortunes were ready to change, and the team for the 2003 World Cup had been announced, with an emphasis on all-rounders:

Squad

Batsmen:
B. Lara (LHB)
S. Chanderpaul (LHB)
C. Gayle (LHB)
R. Sarwan (RHB)
S. Williams (RHB)
Wicket-Keepers
J. Adams (LHB)
L. Garrick (RHB)
All-Rounders
C. Hooper (RHB & OS)
P. Simmons (RHB & RM)
O. Gibson (RHB & RF)
L. Williams (RHB & RM)
Bowlers
D. Ramnarine (LS)
N. McGarrell (SLA)
C. Stuart (RFM)
K. Darlington (RFM)

Expectations
To make it into the Super Six.

Expected First Team
R. Sarwan
S. Williams
*B. Lara
S. Chanderpaul
C. Gayle
+J. Adams
C. Hooper
P. Simmons (2)
D. Ranmarine
N. McGarrell
C. Stuart (1)

 

[Robertinho]

Introduction: Robertinho Dela Cruz has announced his team's expectations to reach the Super Six stage of the competition. Despite an absolutely appalling tour of India, many still believe the squad have the ability to improve and impress. Meanwhile, Dela Cruz has named the side for the Cup opener against hosts South Africa.

R. Sarwan
S. Williams
*B. Lara
S. Chanderpaul
C. Gayle
+J. Adams
C. Hooper
P. Simmons (2)
D. Ranmarine
N. McGarrell
C. Stuart (1)

Prediction: "I am not quite sure what to expect - this is a bit of an experiment. I think that it's a strong batting lineup, with batting right down to No. 8, but also a good bowling attack. Though, South Africa have a superb team.So, we will go into this match confident and completely free of any self-doubt after the Indian tour, and we will see what happens."

 

[Robertinho]

Match Report - South Africa vs. West Indies - World Cup

Lara won the toss and elected to field first. The West Indies were reaping the benefits of this decision as Stuart struck in the first over - making a mess of Gary Kirsten stumps, reducing South Africa to 1/0. The danger man, Jacques Kallis, was a victim to another swinging Stuart delivery and his stumps were cleaned out as he was on 8 runs, the score taken to 2/10. After the inital 2 wickets, the runs came fairly smoothly, Herschelle Gibbs (96*) driving South Africa to 7/237 after their 50 overs.

Feeling very confident in their ability to chase such a meagre total, at a RRR of 4.8, Sarwan and Williams went out quite placid. An excellent opening stand of 137 between the two from 33 overs set up the blitz in the last 10 overs. Lara hit a quick 33, followed by an unbeaten 20 run partnership between Chanderpaul (19) and Gayle (11) which took the West Indies over the line, to win by 7 wickets.

Overview:

South Africa: 7/237 from 50 overs (Gibbs 96*, Stuart 2/33)
West Indies: 3/238 from 49.2 overs (Sarwan 85, Kallis 2/63)

Result: West Indies win 7 wickets.
Man of the match: R. Sarwan

 

[Robertinho]

Conclusion on last match: "Delighted with my first win at helm. Yes, believe it or not, this is my very first win with this great team, with the exception of the friendly vs. Karnataka. I am pleased with the bowling effort - well done to Stuart in particular, aswell as the batting - Sarwan and Williams led the chase with a steady, but reasonably quick opening partnership and the rest finished it off. Well done to the team!"

Here are the current standings for the West Indies group. Dela Cruz said about his group - "I am extremely glad we have no Australia or India! Hallelujah!"

GROUP B STANDINGS
1.South Africa__Pld 2, Pts 2, NetRR +2.3
2.Sri Lanka____Pld 1, Pts 2, NetRR +1.32
3.Bangladesh__Pld 1, Pts 2, NetRR +0.6
4.West Indies_Pld 1, Pts 2, NetRR +0.10
5.Canada_____Pld 1, Pts 0, NetRR -0.63
6.New Zealand_Pld 1, Pts 0, NetRR -1.32
7.Kenya______Pld 1, Pts 0, NetRR -2.46


Currently very pleased with his squad, Dela Cruz has named an unchanged side for the clash against New Zealand:

R. Sarwan
S. Williams
*B. Lara
S. Chanderpaul
C. Gayle
+J. Adams
C. Hooper
P. Simmons (2)
D. Ranmarine
N. McGarrell
C. Stuart (1)

Prediction: "I think if we can replicate our performance against South Africa - we've a very good chance."

 

[Robertinho]

Match Report - West Indies vs. New Zealand - World Cup

Still confident of their chasing ability, Brian Lara won the toss and sent New Zealand in to bat first. The first wicket fell at 1/36 after 9.1 overs, Horne clean bowled by another ripper of a ball from Simmons. Kelly went at 2/46 from a McGarrell full toss, clean bowled. Sinclair and McMillan then carried the score to 3/183, where the wickets fell until 6/223, when Cairns and Vincent made a quick 11 run partnership. Carl Hooper took 2/55 from 10 overs. All bowlers except for Stuart (6.8) and Hooper (5.5) had an economy below 3.80 (Ranmarine, McGarrell, Simmons)

We were set a target of 235 at 4.7 runs per over. Dela Cruz decided to use the plan as in the South Africa game - easy start, keep the RR at around 4-5, then blitz home in the last 10 overs with wickets in hand. Sarwan, decided he wanted to score runs quickly, begun in stunning fashion with a 4 from his first ball. Unfortunately he fell victim to a brilliant Fleming catch off A. Tait and the Windies were 1/17 after 2 overs. Williams was another Tait victim - for 15 runs, at 2/48. Lara and Chanderpaul steadied the innings and pushed it along to 3/106. From there, apart from a 49 run Chanderpaul-Adams partnership, it was disappointing batting all round, and the West Indies were all out for 190 from 45.4 overs, New Zealand victorious by 44 runs.

Overview:

New Zealand: 7/234 from 50 overs (Sinclair 81, Hooper 2/55)
West Indies: 190a.o. from 45.4 overs (Lara 68, Cairns 3/33)

Result: New Zealand win by 44 runs.
Man of the match: M. Sinclair

 

[Robertinho]

Conclusion on last match: vs. New Zealand, World Cup "Slightly disappointed with our loss, I think Chanderpaul and Lara set us up well for a blitz at the end - but it wasn't to be. Pleased with the bowling of our spinners, a little disappointed in Simmons. But what I am most disappointed about is the openers - after a superb match against South Africa they failed quite miserably this time around."

GROUP B STANDINGS
1.South Africa__Pld 3, Pts 4, NetRR +2.5
2.Sri Lanka____Pld 2, Pts 4, NetRR +2.2
3.Bangladesh__Pld 2, Pts 4, NetRR -0.28
4.New Zealand_Pld 3, Pts 2, NetRR -0.69
5.West Indies_Pld 2, Pts 2, NetRR -0.75
6.Kenya______Pld 2, Pts 2, NetRR -1.68
7.Canada_____Pld 2, Pts 0, NetRR -1.41

Disappointed (to say the least) with the teams most recent performance, Dela Cruz has dropped McGarrell and brought it Darlington to open the bowling with Stuart:

R. Sarwan
S. Williams
*B. Lara
S. Chanderpaul
C. Gayle
+J. Adams
C. Hooper
P. Simmons
D. Ranmarine
K. Darlington (2)
C. Stuart (1)

Prediction: vs. Bangladesh, World Cup "Hoping to score 400+ runs. I believe victory is assured."

 

[Robertinho]

Match Report - West Indies vs. Bangladesh - World Cup

Lara won the toss once again and sent his team into bat. An attempt at "full out, gung ho" aggression resulted in a dismal start - 2/9, Sarwan (7) and Williams (0) falling quickly. However, from there, Lara (31) and Chanderpaul (43) reconsolidated the West Indian innings, which was capped off by Adams (75) and Hooper (78*). Finishing strongly at 6/275, although not up to expectations, should be well enough.

The Bangladeshi's, chasing 276, at 5.5 runs per over required, look like a lost cause here, though they may surprise. A good start, 1/42, onto 2/70, onto 3/119, onto 4/138, onto 5/171, from there, however, it was all downhill at the chasing Bangaldeshis stumbled to 202 all out, 73 runs short.

Overview:

West Indies: 6/275 from 50 overs (Hooper 78, Islam 2/49)
Bangladesh: 202a.o. from 40.2 overs (Basher 75, Simmons 3/24)

Result: West Indies win by 73 runs.
Man of the match: C. Hooper

 

[Robertinho]

Conclusion on last match: vs. Bangladesh, World Cup "Pleased. Nothing special, but some good performance from Chanderpaul and Adams. Good to see Chanderpaul getting into form."

GROUP B STANDINGS

1.Sri Lanka____Pld 3, Pts 6, NetRR +3.6
2.South Africa__Pld 4, Pts 5, NetRR +2,5
3.New Zealand_Pld 4, Pts 4, NetRR +2.6
4.West Indies_Pld 3, Pts 4, NetRR +0.6
5.Bangladesh__Pld 4, Pts 3, NetRR -1.74
6.Kenya______Pld 3, Pts 2, NetRR -5.01
7.Canada_____Pld 3, Pts 0, NetRR -2.75

Dela Cruz has apparently looked at the teams averages with the bat over the course of the world cup, and decided Gayle needs a little "rest" (Average of 10.33 after 3 innings):

R. Sarwan
S. Williams
*B. Lara
S. Chanderpaul
L. Garrick
+J. Adams
C. Hooper
P. Simmons
D. Ranmarine
K. Darlington (2)
C. Stuart (1)

Prediction: vs. Canada, World Cup "Should be quite easy, I hope that we can get a few high scores on the board for the sake of form."

(AND yes, by the way, New Zealand DID tie with Bangladesh! !

 

[Robertinho]

Match Report - West Indies vs. Canada - World Cup

Having lost the toss, the West Indies were sent in to bat. Some quick innings from the top order - Sarwan (15 off 12), Williams (36 off 52) and Lara (65 off 76) put the team in a good position - unfortunately, Canada were really on the ball today, and kept the opening partnership to 16, and indeed the highest partnership was 67 - between Williams and Lara. A 39 run 8th wicket stand between Hooper and Darlington pushed the total score to 229 all out, very disappointing considering the match was against Canada.

As though only to insult the West Indies, the Canadians hit a quick 32 run opening stand from 7 overs before Darlington trapped Chumney in front. Stuart struck immediately after, taking De Groot's stumps out for a duck, reducing Canada to 2/34 from 8 overs. A steady partnership ensued between Maraj and Bilcliff which took the Canadians to 62 until Simmons managed to get Bilcliff out for a modest 7. Wickets fell consistently, although stubborn resistance was found in Maraj who was eventually bowled by Stuart for 97 (126), the Canadians all out for 175, 54 runs short.

Overview:

West Indies: 229a.o. from 48.4 overs (Lara 65, Seebarran 3/55)
Canada: 175a.o. from 43.1 overs (Maraj 97, 4/30)

Result: West Indies win by 54 runs.
Man of the match: C. Stuart

 

[Robertinho]

Conclusion on last match: West Indies vs. Canada - World Cup "The win against Canada wasn't quite as good as it clearly could have been - but it was a win nonetheless, well done to the team."

(Will update the standings at the end of the Group Stages)

Dropping Gayle for the 2nd time in a row, the side is unchanged, and dropping Darlington for Ottis Gibson:

R. Sarwan
S. Williams
*B. Lara
S. Chanderpaul
L. Gerrick
+J. Adams
C. Hooper
P. Simmons
O. Gibson (2)
D. Ranmarine
C. Stuart (1)

Prediction: Sri Lanka vs. West Indies "Here is a strong side, and our performances against weaker teams haven't been great, though I think we will prove a strong opponent."

 

[Robertinho]

Match Report - Sri Lanka vs. West Indies - World Cup

Jaysuriya won the toss and sent his boys into bat. An early breakthrough through a runout managed to get Jayawardene out for 24 at 1/33. De silva looked dangerous but was caught off Ranmarine for 25, Sri lanka down to 2/85. A quick 30 by Arnold in a 73 run partnership Atapattu accelerated Sri Lanka to 3/158. A strong 4th wicket partnership of 122 took Sri Lanka t 4/280 where S. De silva and Atapattu took the score on to 4/290, Atapattu scoring an impressive 138*.

This would be a very difficult match for Lara and his team, chasing 290. Some foolish batting from Williams (15), Sarwan (4), Chanderpaul (4) and Garrick (4) cut the score to 4/42. Adams provided a slight partnership of 48 with Lara, taking the total to 5/90. Together, Lara and Hooper single-handedly demolished the Sri Lankan bowling attack and winning the game by themselves, Lara on an unbeaten 142 (127) and Hooper on an unbeaten 94 (111), taking the Windies total to 5/291 in the last over, securing a 5 wicket win for the West Indies.

Overview:

Sri Lanka: 4/290 from 50 overs (Atapattu 138*, Ramnarine 2/47)
West Indies: 5/291 from 49.5 overs (Lara 142*, Hooper 94*, Dharmasena 3/60)

Result: West Indies win by 5 wickets.
Man of the match: B. Lara

 

[Robertinho]

Conclusion on last match: Sri Lanka vs. West Indies - World Cup "We felt well and truly gone at 5/90, but Lara's captaincy is also for a reason - he is one of the greatest batters in the world, and he proved his class with his 142*, and Hooper did very well supporting him with 94*. Overall, I am very pleased."

(Will update the standings at the end of the Group Stages)

Gerrick hasn't been performing, unfortunately, so Gayle gets his spot in the team back:

R. Sarwan
S. Williams
*B. Lara
S. Chanderpaul
C. Gayle
+J. Adams
C. Hooper
P. Simmons
O. Gibson (2)
D. Ranmarine
C. Stuart (1)

Prediction: Kenya vs. West Indies "With Brian Lara and Carl Hooper playing the way they are, I think we are definitely going to win. It's only Kenya."

 

[Robertinho]

Match Report - Kenya vs. West Indies - World Cup

Lara won the toss and decided he would field first. Stuart was quick to dismiss Tikolo for 12, taking Kenya to 1/30 from 6 overs. Gibson struck soon after, with a Chanderpaul catch snaring Shah's wicket for 19, taking the Kenyan total to 2/36. Some sound, aggressive batting led the Kenyans to 140 before the 3rd wicket fell, an LBW from Ramnarine. Odumbe for 72, a real danger man. Some truly inspirational batting from an outclassed Kenyan side led the team to 238 all out from 49.4 overs, Odumbe the star with 72 runs, and Ramnarine taking 3/33.

Requiring 239 runs at 4.8 per over seemed easy to the West Indies team. Dela Cruz had decided to chase the total aggressively, unfortunately not paying off in Williams case as he was dismissed for a golden duck, taking the West Indies to 1/1. Lara showed his class again and in a 52 run partnership with Sarwan, Sarwan only managed to score 15 before he was given out. Some reasonable partnerships ensued, with everyone performing - Lara (66), Chanderpaul (54), Gayle (39), Adams (55*) and Hooper (10*) finishing the match in 48.1 overs, the total 5/239, a 5 wicket victory.

Overview:

Kenya: 238a.o. from 49.4 overs (Odumbe 72, Ramnarine 3/33)
West Indies: 5/239 from 48.1 overs (Lara 66, Suji 2/44)

Result: West Indies win by 5 wickets.
Man of the match: B. Lara

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Who's L. Gerrick? I never heard of him. Heard of Leon Garrick though.

 

[Robertinho]

Who's L. Gerrick? I never heard of him. Heard of Leon Garrick though.

I guess there's a Gerrick and a Garrick...

(no, actually, I did spell his name wrong. meh.
)

 

[bugssy]

keep up the good work mate

 

[Robertinho]

Conclusion on last match: Kenya vs. West Indies, World Cup "I felt the bowling could have been alot better. I was pleased with the batting though, which was very solid. This take into into the Super Six."

GROUP B STANDINGS

1.Sri Lanka____Pld 6, Pts 10, NetRR +8.01
2.West Indies_Pld 6, Pts10, NetRR +2.12
3.New Zealand_Pld 6, Pts 8, NetRR +3.3
4.South Africa__Pld 6, Pts 7, NetRR +1.59
5.Kenya______Pld 6, Pts 4, NetRR -6.51
6.Bangladesh__Pld 6, Pts 3, NetRR -3.02
7.Canada_____Pld 6, Pts 0, NetRR -5.55

The teams that will be in the SuperSix and where they finished in their group:
India (2nd, Group A)
New Zealand (3rd, Group B)
Pakistan (1st, Group A)
Sri Lanka (1st, Group B)
West Indies (2nd, Group B)
Zimbabwe (3rd, Group A)

To say the least, Robertinho was pleased with the group. With no England, Australia or South Africa (the hosts!), it looked less challenging then it could have been. His biggest worry were India, who had proven they win games (a 3-0 test and ODI series whitewash). The team batting average as of now are:


Team Batting Averages (End of Group Stage)
R Sarwan: 126 runs @ 21.00
S Williams: 149 runs @ 24.83
B Lara: 405 runs @ 81.00
S Chanderpaul: 156 runs @ 31.20
C Gayle: 70 runs @ 17.50
J Adams: 189 runs @ 47.25
C Hooper: 229 runs, Avg: 114.50
P Simmons: 16 runs @ 8.00
N McGarrell: 20 runs @ 20.00
D Ramnarine: 10 runs @ 10.00
C Stuart: 3 runs @ 3.00
L Garrick: 29 runs @ 14.50
K Darlington: 25 runs @ 25.00

The opening partnership had failed in the past 5 games - their average was boosted by the 80's in the first innings, so Dela Cruz had decided that he would put Chanderpaul at the top with Williams, and a few other changes were made in the order, and seeing as the pitch seemed like a spinners one, Stuart was taken out for McGarrell, creating an opening spin attack:

S. Williams
S. Chanderpaul
*B. Lara
R. Sarwan
C. Hooper
C. Gayle
P. Simmons
O. Gibson
+J. Adams
D. Ranmarine (2)
McGarrell (1)

Prediction: India vs. West Indies, World Cup "We did well in the group stage - only losing to New Zealand - so I think we can expect a good result from this match."

 

[Robertinho]

Match Report - India vs. West Indies - World Cup

Lara won the toss and sent the Indians in to bat on a bowler friendly wicket. A good start, the first two overs were maidens. After the first 10 overs, India were 0/27, a good performance by the spinners, especially McGarrell with 5 overs, 3 maidens, 4 runs for no wickets. The first wicket to fall was Reddy, for 26. India were taken to 1/34 from 12 overs. Hooper snared his second wicket in the 15th over - Tendulkar edged and Chanderpaul took a brilliant catch, India are reduced to 2/46. McGarrell came back into the attack to try and take out this partnership of Ganguly and Dravid, which was eventually cut short at 65 runs - Dravid caught off McGarrell for 33, taking India to 3/112. 40 overs gone, and the score was 3/170. Ganguly on 84*, and Hooper and Simmons to finish the bowling. Strong batting in the final 10 overs by Laxman (50*) and Ganguly (124*) led India to 4/244 at the end of their overs, Hooper the best bowler with 2/61.

A disappointing start to the West Indies innings saw Williams caught behind from the first ball of the innings. Some poor batting followed, Chanderpaul and Lara making it to 2/58 - where Sarwan came in and was immediately dismissed. Some key failures - Williams (0), Lara (24), Sarwan (0) and Hooper (1) contributed to a fairly defensive batting display, hoping to keep wickets. Credit to Gayle and Simmons though, who carred the score from 5/120 after 38 overs to a final score of 6/197, 54 runs short. Gayle (69) and Simmons (48*) were top scorers, with Harbajan taking 3/56.

Overview:

India: 4/251 from 50 overs (Ganguly 124*, Hooper 2/61)
West Indies: 6/197 from 50 overs (Gayle 69, Harbajan 3/56)

Result: India win by 54 runs.
Man of the match: S. Ganguly

 

[Robertinho]

Conclusion on last match: India vs. West Indies - World Cup "A poor display by the openers - Sarwan and Williams - was one of the factors contributing to our loss. However, we saw Chanderpaul, Simmons and Gayle rise up at the end, so it may be a sign of things to come."

Deciding that this mixed up opening partnership would not work, it was decided to revert to the old lineup, and Williams being taken out for Stuart, leaving the team with 3 specialist bowlers, and a mixed bowling attack - with a spinner and a seamer opening the bowl:

R. Sarwan
S. Williams
*B. Lara
S. Chanderpaul
C. Gayle
C. Hooper
P. Simmons
+J. Adams
C. Stuart (1)
D. Ranmarine
N. McGarrell (2)

Prediction: Zimbabwe vs. West Indies "I would like to say I am sure of a win - but it's unpredictable. I think we probably will win, however, but I don't want to go into this match overconfident."