As a West Indian fan, nothing would please me more than to see West Indies win more matches in test cricket. A few years back, all seemed lost in regards to the Windies. They couldn't beat any major test side away from home and was even getting whitewash in their own backyard. However, with the way Chris Gayle's men are performing in the current series against South Africa, things seem to be moving in a forward direction. Gayle, somehow or the other, is making the guys feel very comfortable as a team.
Anyhow, my major aim here is to elaborate on the talent that is in the West Indies that can bring good fortunes to the once invincible side. In the opening department, there is a seventeen year old batsman by the name of Adrian Barath who is averaging over 50 in six matches of first class cricket. About two years back, I remember Lara saying to the selectors to keep an eye on him. Some are even saying it's the reason Lara is back playing for Trinidad - to guide the younger batsmen in the side.
For the Middle order, there is the belligerent Kieron Pollard (20 yrs) who averages mid 40's in a handful of games that he's played. Facing extreme pace is his main problem but the young lad is maturing vey quickly. Many thought he would just be a 2020 player as that's where his fame started when he carted the Nevis' bowlers all over the Stanford Cricket Ground in 2006. He however, has played with a lesser strike rate and scored some good scores already in first class cricket but nevertheless, he has to hit some big ones in his knocks. One other prospect is 19 year old right hand bat, Donwell Hector. Short and strong, he goes after anything short, most of the time, with great success. He hits uppishly with comfort but can keep them down as well but attacking is his way. Comfortable against both pace and spin and with a hunger to play for the Windies side, many wouldn't be surprised if he does, or when he does. His ability to dominate bowlers seperate him from many among his age group.
I'm gonna touch on the fast bowlers now, which looks very good! There are two pacers right about now, although there are more I can name but the two most impressive are Kemar Roach and Nelon Pascal. Kemar Roach is said to be bowling quicker than Tino Best (I'll just say a tad quicker) and as one of my mate said, "He'd rather face best because Roach is more nippy". Nelon Pascal, who can generate near 140 kph is a hostile bowler who bowls with a slingy action. Pascal and Roach are both past West Indies u19 fast bowlers. Their inclusion in a recent West Indies 23 man squad shows how good they are rated and at that time, without a 4 day game under their belt for their respective first class side.
In the spin deparment, none other than Amit Jaggernauth comes to mind. For the last two seasons, he has been very dominant with averages of 23 and less. He bowls with good flight, slows it down, and can spin the ball. It's only a matter of time before the selectors choose this young talent as spin bowling is very important these days.
For wicket keeper, there is the 21 year old Lindon James from the Windward Islands who has persons are saying that he is the best wicket keeping bat around the Windies (the way Ramdin is playing at the moment, you can't blame them).
There are some other talents I can name but they're quite young and so I won't judge them that quickly but some more names to look out for are; Andre Fletcher (opening bat), V. Permaul (left arm spinner, Windies u19 for 08 WC), Dawnley Grant (fast bowler, Windies u19 for 08 WC), Jason Dawes (fast bowler, Windies u19 for 08 WC)
My team for the future. (Chanderpaul time is nearly up so he's excluded)
Gayle, Barath, Sarwan, Samuels, Pollard, Bravo, Ramdin, Taylor, Jaggernauth, Powell, Edwards - Roach, Pascal, Hector, James, Sammy
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