“That is much more like it from West Indies!”

Nov 06, 2011 Sports

---

 

 

Colin  Croft

You will remember, two weeks ago, after the ODI series, I openly wondered about the level and type of

representation that we were getting from West Indies in Bangladesh.  I am certainly better pleased now, with West Indies winning its first Test series overseas since 2003.  This is definitely how it should be!
Darren Bravo’s maiden Test century; 195; was very good, technically, especially after his noted recent lethargy.  It was also very reminiscent of Brian Lara’s first Test century, that majestic 277 at Sydney.
Lara’s came in his 5th Test, against Australia.  Darren Bravo’s came in his 10th, against Bangladesh.  For now, comparisons could stand still, but even at that stage, most thought Lara a batting genius.  Lara ended with over 400 international games, 22,000+ international runs; average over 50.00; and 25,000+ runs in other games, so Darren Bravo has some way to go and very large boots to fill!
I almost forgot to congratulate BL for his promotion to “Dr. Brian Charles Lara”, by University of West Indies (St. Augustine) last week.  Not a bad way to go, for a cricketer!  Tek dat in yuh puffen!  Congrats!
Kirk Edwards has come in quietly, but efficiently, under the radar, and has performed excellently.  At 27, there is something to say for maturity and talent.  In only three tests, he already has two hundreds, and just missed a third.  Ever so slowly, a newer, proper batting line-up is taking shape!
I make no excuses for demanding proper representation.  While I expect that the tour to India would be much more difficult, West Indies should be beating Bangladesh quite easily, even in this rebuilding stage.  It does take time to become world champions, but sporting minions should be crushed!
I operate, with grown sportspersons, not the overblown babies that some are, on what Kent Dobbins and Francis Bramble, my flight instructors; Flight Safety Academy, 1981; said for my commercial pilot’s license; “If I have to tell you the same thing twice, then you cannot learn.  Go home!”  They had flown in the Vietnam War and were tough.  Believe it or not, I was paying their salaries, but I did get that license!
While not expecting our representatives to always win, they must always play to their best.  Against India, more concentration would be required, but West Indies should be confident.  They did relatively well in Bangladesh.  Creeping does come before walking; most times!
A good sporting acquaintance who is also a present female international cricketer, recently asked me as to why I had not tried to get a coaching position in West Indies cricket.  I informed that I had tried, many times, to become fully involved, applying for positions whenever they become available.
I once offered my services, free for one year, to Guyana, had been called “mercenary” for requesting fees on another occasion, and have even volunteered my services, all to no avail.  Life goes on!
After 15 + years back in the Caribbean, I have come to the conclusion that there is probably no official requirement for me to be involved, though I have as high qualifications as any of the national coaches!
I have tried, though, in my own way, to help cricketers, but, like my flight instructors, I have no patience for stupidity or baby-sitting sporting babies.  Here are two of my many past escapades.
In 1998/9, West Indies toured South Africa.  Fast bowler Reon King was rushed from India – West Indies “A” tour – and selected, at Centurion Park, outside Pretoria, for his debut Test; 5th and final Test; to replace the injured Curtly Ambrose.  Everyone was hoping that King would eventually, in time, replace ‘Ambi’ permanently, whenever the tall Antiguan decided to call it a day.
Australian/South African Mike Haysman, doing commentary with me, was so livid that King was drinking fizzy ‘Fanta’ drinks, instead of water, that I ventured down to the boundary edge to help with advice!   “Kingy,” I said, “this place is 6000 feet above sea level.  The air is very thin.  Drinking that stuff will take away what little breath you might be able to get way up here.  I would suggest that you drink water!”
“Right, Crofty”, he said, “I know that you think that you know everything!”  That, mind you, from a guy playing his very first Test.  That was not, unfortunately, the end of that.  He soon went off the field; with cramps; and got no wickets in the Test.  I am sorry, but I have no patience for such crap!
I do have much sadness and disappointment, being originally Guyanese, that, after John Trim, Sven “Charlie” Stayers, and me, Reon king did not go on to become one of Guyana’s best fast bowlers.  King should have been, now, aged 36+, just about hanging up his boots as a Test fast bowler.
King, St. Vincent’s Nixon Mc Lean, Jamaica’s Franklyn Rose and T&T’s Merve Dillon should have been the pace link, to replace Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Ian Bishop, and Kenny and Winston Benjamin, to those now.  Instead, King petered out, playing only 19 Tests for 53 wickets.  What a waste of good talent!
In 2003, Kingsmead, Durban, Bishop and I proceeded for a pitch report, while West Indies warmed up for Test No 2.  Fidel Edwards, cap turned backwards, shoes untied; unkempt; meandered nearby.   I sauntered over with a comment; “Fidel, could you please tie your shoes properly, and warm up as well as you could.  The humidity of this place could easily get to you, and destroy your performances.” “Thank yuh, man,” said Edwards, “but, goh bligh muh, I know whuh I doin!”  That, sadly, was not that!
Bishop’s comment was enlightening; “Serves you right, Crofty.  Tell them nothing!”  We passed on the exchange to coach Gus Logie, who became angry, embarrassed and disappointed.  Edwards pulled up in that game too.  Me, I was done with it; been there, done that!  I do not have patience for stupidity!
Edwards is now back, helping West Indies beat Bangladesh.  I am pleased that at least he is still around, especially with his past injuries, doing justice to his bowling skills.  That 1st innings spell, Test No. 2; 13-0-63-5; was very incisive in West Indies getting a lead and winning the game.
Devendra Bishoo is also proving to be excellent, with his Anil Kumble-type leg-spin.  With his temerity and confidence, Bishoo is a throw-back to the ancient days when spinners ruled West Indies cricket.  Back in1975, in India, Lance Gibbs was the last West Indies spinner to get a five-wicket haul, overseas!
Already I have heard; “Whuh happen to yuh, bhoy, yuh ain see dat we tun de carna?”   Going around the earth, literally, practically, even figuratively, and beating cricket teams, is not that easy.  After India, West Indies play Australia, England and New Zealand, in that order.  Just take it one step at a time!
Also mentioned to me; “We are on a roll; we now have momentum.”  I agree that there is hope, enterprise and especially youth, which can, and should, be properly developed, but there is such a long way yet to go, that the horizon is not yet nearly visible!  Time is the essence!  Enjoy!

---

---