Getting West Indies ready for the real event

It seems like it’s closer to reality. And what we must accept is that life goes on.

Unless we compromise, there will be distances and break-down in communication, which can lead to continuing travail.{{more}}

The under-strength West Indies team is back home from Sri Lanka. There are lessons from that exercise that could teach us a great deal.

The ten players who opted out of the Sri Lanka tour owing to a dispute in contract arrangements, may be regretting their actions. The improvised squad has proven worthy replacements.

Ace batsman Brian Lara, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Corey Collymore, Pedro Collins, Dwayne Bravo, Ian Bradshaw, Fidel Edwards, and Devon Smith may have to return to the flock.

After that, some faithful servants who ventured to the Indian subcontinent, will have their career on hold and hope for another showdown between the West Indies Cricket Board and the West Indies Players Association.

However, there seems to be cracks in the WIPA camp, and the impression that the dust is gradually being settled on the money demand.

Dinanath Ramnarine, the lynch pin in the industrial saga is slowly being isolated, and the West Indian cricket fan is beginning to feel that their team will survive.

The performance of the squad in Sri Lanka though not phenomenal rekindled a feeling of resurgence.

Speculations on what might have transpired with the full strength party help to further boggle the mind. Those who followed the tour although disappointed with the team’s losses have reasons to be pleased.

Vincentians would feel justified with Deighton Butler’s efforts. His selection was registered in mute admiration, symptomatic of Vincentian style.

Regardless of his past discrepancies, Nevisian middle order batsman Runako Morton merits another run. The display by Trinidad wicketkeeper Denish Ramdin is cause for celebration. There is talent in the Caribbean. It has to be harnessed.

The opportunities are there for the West Indies to return to the glory days.

That will be the first task for new president Kenneth Gordon and his executive. How they handle and emerge from the turmoil will be a test of character or perhaps organisational fortitude.

At least that’s the reason for which the mantle has been thrust on them.

The time to get things in order is as short as the average West Indian’s temper, and with the World Cup months away, the repair work will have to be in high speed.

Besides the main matters, steps towards ensuring a platform for West Indies cricket must continue. More effort must be made to developmental processes from Under-13, Under-15 and Under-19 levels.

It would not be surprising if some players taking part in this year’s TCL Group Under-19 tournament rounding off in St. Vincent and the Grenadines this month, graduate to the senior ranks in time for the 2007 World Cup.

The basis must be proper. And we must not be afraid of exposing our youngsters as long as they show the inclination for the task. The tendency was there for the status quo in cricket, a colonialist legacy maintained in some sections of the administrative network.

The impasse has somewhat shattered that practice and the way is clear.

We have take to full control of the rehearsal session and get ready for the real event.