West Indies batsmen have been advised to show patience and occupy the crease for as long as possible during their second and final Test match against South Africa starting this Thursday at the Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia.
Former Barbados and West Indies opener Desmond Haynes who was recently inducted into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame said the team needed to show more respect to the South African bowling attack.
“When I get a chance to speak with Kraigg or Jason or any of the boys I would always say to them ‘you do have to respect the bowlers a bit’. I think the South African bowlers are bowling very well on the surface there in St. Lucia and we might just have to bat a little longer.
“We have to look to occupy the crease and make these guys bowl for three and four changes. So, I think they are a good bowling side and I think what we need to do is just be a little more committed with our batting and try to bat as long as possible,” Haynes told Barbados TODAY.
During a telephone interview, Haynes, who believes the current generation of players should be properly mentored and not so heavily criticised, wished the regional side all the best as they seek to close out the series with a draw.
“I am not one that every time that the West Indies lose, the guys like to bash them. And as a past player, I never have liked it when you have past cricketers criticising you. So, I’m not one to criticise the guys or anything like that.
“Whenever I reach out to them, I would give them some advice. Mind you, if they are not performing well or if they are doing things that I think they can do better, if they are not as committed, I would tell them. But I would prefer to tell them face to face than to go out there and flag it off in the media,” Haynes said.
The Test team led by opener Kraigg Brathwaite slumped to an innings and 63 runs defeat against the Proteas who have a powerful pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada.
History has shown that over the years South Africa has been dominant over West Indies in Test cricket. The two nations have contested just 29 matches over the past 29 years, with the West Indies winning only three of those, losing 19 and drawing seven. West Indies are currently ranked one place ahead of South Africa but it will take something special from Brathwaite and his men to ensure South Africa do not walk away with a series win.
During the wide-ranging interview Haynes said that while he feels it is a good idea to honour the players and legends of the game, he strongly believes there is a better way of doing it.
“Yes, I do believe so and I think it needs to be done in a better way though. There shouldn’t be a situation where there is a stand named in your honour and people still don’t know who you are when they go there.
“So, when you are doing that (honour) you need to make sure that it is done in a more professional way where there is a box there for you. Or there is something there for you that you can just come in and open a door like if you are at home. Once you follow the protocols and security guidelines and so forth.
“When you are recognised at home I find it very strange that your people just don’t know who you are. So, there is a more professional way of how to do it. But I think the recognition of the players is good because it is something that the guys know for sure is going to be a lasting memory in their cricket careers. So, recognising the players is always a good thing to do but it must be done in a professional manner where the whole world knows,” Haynes stated.
morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb
