#BTSpeakingOut – Respect Zimbabwe – West Indies

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.

by Kendell Karan, Chaguanas

Zimbabwe didn’t start playing cricket yesterday, therefore they shouldn’t be taken for granted. West Indies need points for the World Test Championships 2023; only a series win should be on the minds of Kraigg Brathwaite and his men in maroon.

Hard or soft, a series win, 2 – 0, is what they should be heading to South Africa with and points on the table. Shannon Gabriel is a welcome return.

Perhaps Yannic Cariah could’ve been looked into as the extra spinner, but I guess Warrican edged selection as being a specialist spinner as opposed to another bowling all-rounder. Fair enough.

From the Australian tour, only a couple of Aussies got big scores. West Indies should take that as an inspiration for giving our fearsome fast bowlers excellent innings scores to work with.

Kraigg, Tagenarine, Kyle, Nkrumah, Da Silva, and Blackwood must deliver big scores, centuries, and double centuries.

Fellas, take responsibility for your wicket and your batting position. Don’t leave it for someone else. I’m backing Gudakesh Motie to do well because Zimbabwe’s conditions are friendly for spin bowling.

Firing a coach every now and again isn’t going to change West Indies’ fortunes overnight. Trust the process, have faith in CWI and in the new coaching staff.

Just look at Arsenal and how their faith in Mikel Arteta and their project is paying off.

Give full support to Andrew Coley; he has an opportunity to bring new ideas and tactics to the squad and make a name for himself. To the West Indies team, do not disrespect your opposition.

Rally ’round the West Indies to infinity and beyond!