Today we look at five obstacles that could prevent the West Indians from hoisting the ICC World Cup Trophy on Saturday, April 28 in Barbados. Later, we will explore why they could win it all.
1. Home Team Curse?
Sri Lanka came the closest to winning the World Cup at home when they were co-hosts in 1996. However, neither the semi final nor the final were played in Sri Lanka. More common is the disappointing performances of hosts South Africa in 2003, England in 1999 and Pakistan in 1996. Co-host India made the semi finals in 1996, but a dramatic batting collapse left a bitter taste in their fans' mouths. The pressures of playing in front of home crowds and the accompanying expectations appear to be too daunting. The Windies will have to find a way to overcome these obstacles if victory is to be tasted.
2. Batting Collapses
The Windies batting order, on paper, is one of the most talented in the world. A line up of Gayle, Chanderpaul, Sarwan, Lara, Samuels, Bravo, Smith and Ramdin is deep enough to put fear into any opposition. But history tells us otherwise. Time and time again, West Indian batting orders have collapsed dramatically. The opposing bowlers will feel that if they can get the key wickets of Gayle, Chanderpaul and Lara early, then the rest of the batting could crumble away. No foundation is solid enough for the Windies batting lineup, which has snatched defeat from the jaws of victory too many times.
3. Can't Beat Australia in the Big One
While the West Indies have performed credibly in their last two one day tournaments, both occasions resulted in comprehensive defeats at the hands of Australia in the finals. The team reached the finals of the DLF Cup and the Champions Trophy after beating Australia earlier in both tournaments. However, in both finals, the Windies faded early, giving easy wins to the Aussies. Even in winning the Champions Trophy in 2004, the West Indies were able to avoid the Aussies who bowed out before reaching the finals. The two time defending champs will be hard to dethrone if they reach the finals.
4. Lack of an Express Wicket-taker.
Jerome Taylor and Daren Powell are developing fast bowlers who have shown in the past that they can be genuine wicket-takers. However they both lack the pace to intimidate quality batsmen. If the opposition gets in on a flat wicket, then Taylor and Powell, who bowl at roughly the same speed, might become easy pickings. Captain Lara might rue not having the express pace of Fidel Edwards in his back pocket.
5. Recent Form
The West Indies will enter the World Cup coming off two disappointing tours, having lost ODI series 1-3 in Pakistan and India. England, on the other hand, enter the tournament red hot, having won their last 4 including 2 straight over Australia. India won 3 of 4 from the Windies then won 2 of 3 from Sri Lanka. New Zealand recently swept 3 ODI games from the Aussies, while new number 1 ODI team South Africa has won 15 of their last 21 ODIs. Will recent form hold? We shall see.
- 665 reads
Post new comment