Sabina Park and the Longing for a Caribbean Renaissance

Every cricket fan dreams of moments when history comes full circle, and for many, Sabina Park in Jamaica remains a symbolic stage for such a revival. It was here, in 1995, that the mighty West Indies lost their throne to Australia, marking the end of an era of dominance that spanned nearly two decades. No kingdom lasts forever, and no ruler governs in perpetuity. Yet, for fans of West Indies cricket, the fall from grace was an unthinkable reality, one that still echoes through the corridors of Sabina Park.  

The historic venue, which once hosted the heroes of Caribbean cricket’s golden age, feels like the rightful place for a renaissance. A revival at Sabina Park would carry poetic justice, a restoration of glory where it was first lost. Yet, in recent years, Saint Lucia’s Darren Sammy Cricket Ground has emerged as a prominent host for West Indies’ Test matches. 

Saint Lucia: A Modern Venue with a Controversial Namesake 

Unlike Sabina Park, steeped in Test history and tradition, Saint Lucia lacks an illustrious past in the longer format of the game. The stadium, renamed after Darren Sammy in 2016, honours the charismatic captain who led the West Indies to two T20 World Cup titles. While Sammy’s contributions to the shorter formats are undeniable, his limited impact in Test cricket raises questions about naming a Test venue after him. 

Built-in 2002, the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground boasts modern facilities and scenic beauty, but it lacks the gravitas of Sabina Park. It was here, however, that the West Indies celebrated their 2-0 series victory over England, lifting the Wisden Trophy. The third Test at this venue, though a dead rubber in terms of the series outcome, became a litmus test for England’s battered batting lineup. 

England’s Struggles with Technique and Temperament 

The series had exposed glaring weaknesses in England’s batting approach. From the opening Test in Bridgetown, Barbados, their adventurous style came under heavy criticism. On testing tracks, neither reckless aggression nor half-hearted counterattacks could suffice. Instead, the conditions demanded resolve, technique, and temperament—qualities England’s batsmen seemed to lack. 

The inclusion of Keaton Jennings in place of Ben Foakes baffled many. Foakes, with his solid technique, had made an impressive start to his Test career. Jennings, on the other hand, had struggled for consistency, and his performance in Saint Lucia did little to inspire confidence. His tentative stay at the crease ended with a loose drive against Keemo Paul, managing just 8 runs off 43 balls. Jennings’ selection raises the inevitable question: how long will England persist with him? 

By mid-afternoon, England’s innings teetered at 107 for 4. Joe Root once again fell victim to Alzarri Joseph, while the rest of the top order failed to convert starts into meaningful contributions. The West Indies pace quartet—Paul, Shannon Gabriel, Joseph, and Kemar Roach—relentlessly attacked with disciplined lines and probing lengths. England’s batsmen, caught between indecision and ineptitude, seemed ill-equipped to counter the onslaught. 

Stokes and Buttler: Anchors Amidst the Storm 

Amid the chaos, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler emerged as England’s saviours. Known for their aggressive stroke play, the duo adopted an uncharacteristically restrained approach. Their 124-run partnership for the fifth wicket was a masterclass in defiance, arresting the collapse and providing England with a semblance of stability. 

While their innings were not without fortune—Buttler was dropped on 0, and Stokes was reprieved after a Joseph no-ball—their determination sucked the energy out of the West Indies attack. According to CricViz, Buttler’s shot selection was particularly noteworthy: he refrained from attacking any deliveries pitched between 6.7 and 8.5 meters, a length that had troubled England throughout the series. Stokes, too, displayed remarkable discipline, leaving balls outside his new off-stump guard and focusing on occupying the crease. 

Reflecting on his innings, Stokes credited a return to basics: 

“I actually looked at some footage of me at Lord's (vs New Zealand in 2015) this morning. I've been thinking about going back to that technique: straightening my feet up and batting with an off-stump guard. I’ve been working with Mark Ramprakash [the batting coach] on it for the last couple of days. Watching myself at Lord's did me the world of good.” 

This renewed focus on technique and adaptability marked a significant departure from England’s earlier struggles. Stokes and Buttler’s partnership was a testament to the virtues of patience and composure, qualities England had sorely missed. 

The Road Ahead 

As Day 2 dawns, England’s fans will hope for a continuation of this newfound resolve. The Stokes-Buttler stand offers a blueprint for survival and success in challenging conditions. For the West Indies, the challenge lies in maintaining their intensity and capitalizing on England’s frailties. 

While Sabina Park remains a symbol of the West Indies’ glorious past, the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground is carving its place in the present. Perhaps, in time, it will witness the resurgence of Caribbean cricket. Until then, the fans can only hope for moments of brilliance, both on historic grounds and modern ones, as the West Indies strive to reclaim their place among cricket’s elite.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar 

Ebadot Hossain: A Journey of Resilience, Reinvention, and Raw Pace

In cricket, fast bowlers often stand apart—not just for the sheer velocity of their deliveries, but for the aura they bring to the game. Their art requires a unique combination of skill, aggression, and endurance, and those who excel are often seen as the x-factors of any team. For Bangladesh, a nation where the pitches are notoriously unkind to pacers, finding a genuine fast bowler is akin to discovering a diamond in the rough. Enter Ebadot Hossain—a name that symbolizes grit, transformation, and untapped potential. 

Taskin Ahmed: The Unfortunate Prelude 

Before delving into Ebadot’s rise, it’s essential to acknowledge the man he replaced. Taskin Ahmed, a bowler of immense talent, has long been seen as one of Bangladesh’s premier fast-bowling prospects. However, his journey has been fraught with challenges—career-threatening injuries, lean patches, and the arduous road to recovery. Just as he seemed poised for a comeback during Bangladesh’s tour of New Zealand, fate intervened in the form of another injury, sidelining him yet again. 

While Taskin’s absence was a blow, it opened the door for a new face, a new story, and a new hope—Ebadot Hossain. 

From Volleyball Courts to Cricket Fields 

Ebadot’s journey is anything but conventional. In 2012, he joined the Bangladesh Air Force, not as a cricketer, but as a volleyball player. For Ebadot, the allure of a stable job outweighed the dream of a sporting career. Yet, cricket, with its magnetic pull, found its way into his life. 

In his hometown of Moulvibazar’s Borolikha village, Ebadot was already known for his ability to bowl with searing pace. Local teams often hired him for matches, and his raw talent was evident to anyone who watched him. But it wasn’t until 2016, during the Robi Pacer Hunt program, that his cricketing aspirations took a definitive shape. 

Among over 14,000 contestants, Ebadot emerged as the standout performer. While his speeds of 139–140 kph might not have turned heads globally, in Bangladesh, such pace was a rarity. His success in the pacer hunt earned him a place in the High-Performance squad, setting him on a path that would eventually lead to international cricket. 

The Mentor’s Insight 

In August 2016, former Pakistani pacer Aaqib Javed conducted a week-long workshop with Bangladesh’s young fast bowlers. Among the many talents he observed, two names stood out—Ali Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain. Aaqib’s assessment of Ebadot was glowing: 

“He has got pace, a good body, and a solid action. But he needs proper nurturing. With his physique, he can consistently bowl 138–140 kph, but he must dedicate himself fully to cricket. He reminded me of Mohammad Irfan. If he builds his fitness and works on his skills, he could become a future star for Bangladesh.” 

Aaqib’s words proved prophetic. Recognizing Ebadot’s potential, the Bangladesh Cricket Board included him in a warm-up match against England in 2016. His performance—dismissing Jason Roy and James Vince with pace and movement—validated the faith placed in him. However, his progress was soon derailed by injuries and fitness issues, a recurring theme in the lives of fast bowlers. 

Resilience and Redemption 

After a period of rehabilitation, Ebadot returned to domestic cricket, determined to reclaim his rhythm and pace. On the docile, batting-friendly tracks of Bangladesh, he showcased his ability to extract life from dead surfaces, claiming 59 wickets in 19 first-class matches at an average of 28.94. His performances caught the selectors’ attention, and when Taskin Ahmed was ruled out, Ebadot was drafted into the Test squad for the New Zealand tour. 

Critics questioned the decision to select him based on his shorter-format performances. However, such skepticism ignored his first-class record and the potential he brings as a genuine fast bowler. 

The X-Factor Bangladesh Needs 

Fast bowlers are a rare commodity in Bangladesh, and those who can combine pace with movement are even rarer. Ebadot’s raw speed, coupled with his ability to hit the deck hard, offers a dimension that Bangladesh has often lacked in overseas conditions. In New Zealand, where pace and bounce are prized, Ebadot could provide the cutting edge needed to challenge the hosts. 

Beyond his physical attributes, Ebadot’s story is one of perseverance. From the volleyball courts of the Bangladesh Air Force to the fast-bowling ranks of international cricket, his journey underscores the importance of nurturing talent and providing opportunities. 

A Bold Decision 

By including Ebadot in the squad, the Bangladesh think tank has made a bold and forward-looking decision. Young fast bowlers need exposure to grow, and Ebadot’s inclusion is a step in the right direction. As Aaqib Javed once said, “If nurtured correctly, he could become a future star.” 

Ebadot Hossain is not just a cricketer; he is a symbol of hope for Bangladesh cricket—a reminder that with the right guidance and perseverance, even the most unconventional paths can lead to success. Whether or not he makes an immediate impact in New Zealand, his story is already a victory for the sport in Bangladesh. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Alzarri Joseph: A Portrait of Resilience Amidst Personal Loss

“There is an endearing tenderness in the love of a mother to a son that transcends all other affections of the heart.” 

— Washington Irving 

The bond between a mother and son is profound, a connection woven from love, trust, and unwavering support. For a son, his mother is often his first confidante, his most steadfast cheerleader, and the anchor that steadies him through life’s tempests. To lose such a figure, especially at a young age, is to lose a part of oneself—a void that can never truly be filled. 

For 21-year-old Alzarri Joseph, the morning of February 3, 2019, began with the unbearable weight of such a loss. His mother, Sharon, a pillar of strength and a beacon of encouragement in his life, had passed away. Yet, as the third day of the Test match against England dawned in Antigua, Joseph made a decision that spoke volumes about his character: he would take the field, not for himself, but for his team, his nation, and, above all, his mother. 

A Test of Character 

The West Indies were riding high, buoyed by a resurgent spirit that had eluded them for years. Having already claimed a significant lead in the series, they were on the cusp of a defining moment. But for Joseph, this day was more than a Test match; it was a crucible of grief and determination. 

Despite the emotional turmoil, Joseph took to the field, his face etched with sorrow but his intent unwavering. As he walked out to bat at number 10, the crowd rose in a standing ovation—a poignant acknowledgement of his courage. His contribution with the bat, a gritty seven runs, was modest in numbers but monumental in significance. 

With the ball in hand, Joseph’s deliveries brimmed with raw emotion. His pace, touching 90 mph, was a testament to his resolve. The sadness was visible, but each delivery seemed to channel his grief into a fierce determination to honour his mother’s memory. 

A Captain’s Faith 

Leadership often reveals itself in moments of crisis, and Jason Holder, the West Indies captain, embodied this principle. Recognizing the enormity of Joseph’s loss, Holder left the decision to play entirely to the young pacer. 

“It was up to him if he played. I didn’t want to deprive him of the opportunity to take the field. If he felt he could manage and perform, then I wasn’t going to stop him,” Holder said. 

Holder’s empathy extended beyond words. His unwavering faith in Joseph, coupled with the collective support of the team, created a cocoon of solidarity. “We came together in the huddle, and we just wanted to do it for him, his mum, and his family,” Holder reflected. 

The Turning Point 

Joseph’s defining moment came in England’s second innings. Rory Burns and Joe Denly were forging a cautious opening partnership when Holder turned to Joseph to break the deadlock. 

Running in with deliberate steps, Joseph bowled a delivery that jagged back into Joe Root, England’s captain. The appeal was half-hearted, reflecting Joseph’s fluctuating concentration, but Holder’s sharp eyes caught the faint inside edge. The review was successful, and Root was dismissed—Joseph’s second scalp of the match and another instance of his ability to rise in critical moments. 

The dismissal was met with muted celebration from Joseph, his grief too raw for exuberance. Yet, his teammates swarmed around him, their joy a collective tribute to his resilience. 

Joseph struck again, this time removing Denly with a delivery that cut back sharply, catching the batter misjudging the line. Once more, the celebration came from his teammates, a reflection of the deep camaraderie within the West Indies camp. 

The Spirit of a Team 

The West Indies bowling unit, led by Kemar Roach and Holder, dismantled England with precision and hostility. England’s innings folded meekly, and the West Indies sealed a 10-wicket victory to claim the series. 

But amidst the collective triumph, Joseph’s performance stood out—a young man who, in the face of unimaginable personal loss, displayed courage and professionalism that belied his years. 

Holder’s words encapsulated the sentiment of the day: “Alzarri was exceptional. It took a lot of heart for him to be on the field today. I think a lot of people wouldn’t have been able to, but credit to him. He held his hand up high and did an exceptional job for us.” 

A Legacy of Resilience 

Cricket, like life, often transcends the boundaries of the field. Joseph’s performance was more than a contribution to a victory; it was a testament to the indomitable human spirit. His ability to channel grief into strength, supported by a team that rallied around him, epitomized the essence of sport as a unifying force. 

In the annals of West Indies cricket, this match will be remembered not just for the scorecard but for the story of a young man who turned personal tragedy into a moment of inspiration. For Alzarri Joseph, the memory of his mother will forever be entwined with the resilience he displayed on that day—a legacy of love, loss, and unyielding resolve. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

West Indies Batting: A Study in Patience Amidst a Spiteful Antigua Pitch

While the current West Indian pace attack stirs nostalgia for the halcyon days of Caribbean dominance, their batting lineup seldom evokes the same sentiment. Arunabha Sengupta aptly observed, “The West Indian fast bowlers make one nostalgic, but the batting has miles to go.” Indeed, the likes of Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, and Roston Chase lack the aura of Sir Vivian Richards, Clive Lloyd, or Brian Lara. These legendary figures were not merely batters but forces of nature, wielding their will with an aggression that defined an era. 

Such brilliance is rare, a generational gift that leaves an indelible mark. Yet, the legacy of attacking intent they left behind has often been misunderstood or poorly emulated by subsequent West Indian batters. While some carried that swagger forward, many faded into obscurity, lured by the financial allure of T20 leagues. The result? A batting unit that, post-1990s, became a caricature of its former self—flashes of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistency and a lack of resolve. 

In Test cricket, where patience and adaptability reign supreme, the West Indian batting approach often faltered. Impulsive shot-making and an aversion to grinding out innings turned their performances into cautionary tales. Even in Bangladesh last year, they squandered opportunities with whimsical batting displays, turning manageable situations into avoidable disasters. 

A Shift in Mindset 

Thankfully, there are signs of a shift. This West Indies team, while still a work in progress, appears willing to learn from past mistakes. Day 2 of the second Test against England at Antigua showcased a batting effort rooted in discipline and pragmatism—a stark departure from the recklessness of old. 

Watching the likes of Brathwaite, Campbell, and Darren Bravo bat on a spiteful Antigua pitch may not have been aesthetically pleasing, but it was an exercise in necessity. Batting positively, after all, doesn’t always mean playing extravagant shots. Not every batter is a Virat Kohli or a Kane Williamson. Sometimes, survival demands restraint, and that was precisely the approach the West Indian batters adopted. 

Calculated Restraint 

John Campbell, a naturally aggressive player, exemplified this calculated restraint. Facing Stuart Broad’s relentless accuracy, Campbell initially struggled, with Cricviz noting a false shot percentage of 42% in the morning session. Recognizing the risk, he adjusted his approach, reducing his false shots to 36% by the time he was dismissed. 

England’s bowlers, having bowled fuller lengths (39% compared to 29% on Day 1), sought to extract movement and force errors. Yet, the West Indies batters refused to succumb. Their ability to pivot onto the back foot early and counter England’s probing line-and-length was instrumental in weathering the storm. 

Darren Bravo, often known for his elegance, played a contrasting role on this day. His attacking stroke percentage was a mere 7%, as he anchored the innings with stoic resolve. Bravo’s primary focus was not to entertain but to ensure stability—a role often undervalued yet critical in the context of the match. 

Moments of Folly 

That said, the innings was not without its lapses. Chase and Dowrich’s decision to attack Broad, despite the obvious risks, was questionable. Shimron Hetmyer’s ill-advised charge down the pitch against Moeen Ali, resulting in a wild hack to cover, was another instance of misplaced aggression. Such moments highlight the lingering inconsistencies in the batting lineup, but they were exceptions rather than the rule on this occasion.  

The Bigger Picture 

The significance of West Indies’ batting effort cannot be overstated. On a pitch as unpredictable as Antigua’s, where variable bounce made stroke-making perilous, their resolve was the cornerstone of their success. By the end of Day 2, they had secured a vital lead with four wickets in hand—a testament to their newfound grit. 

This effort underscores an essential truth: batting is as much about character as it is about technique. The West Indies batters demonstrated an understanding of situational demands, curbing their natural instincts in favour of pragmatism. It was not a performance to evoke nostalgia, but it was one to inspire hope. 

Looking Ahead 

If the West Indies are to reclaim their place in the pantheon of cricketing greats, they must continue to build on this foundation. The Antigua pitch, with its unpredictable nature, demanded discipline, and the batters delivered. For a team long criticized for its lack of resolve, this was a step in the right direction. 

The West Indian pace attack may still be the team’s headline act, but performances like these suggest the batting lineup is beginning to understand its supporting role. And in the grand narrative of Test cricket, where every chapter is a battle of wits and willpower, that understanding could make all the difference. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Reviving the Essence of Test Cricket: A Spiteful Antigua Deck Sparks Hope

In the mid to late 1990s, a theory perpetuated by subcontinental commentators gained traction: “People come to stadiums to watch boundaries and sixes.” What began as a mantra for limited-overs cricket began to seep into the philosophy of the longer format, leading to fundamental changes in pitch preparation across the globe. The result was a decade dominated by lifeless, batsman-friendly tracks—even in venues like Antigua, where pace, bounce, and swing once ruled supreme. 

Such pitches, designed to manufacture high scores, dulled the competitive edge of Test cricket. The West Indies, a region synonymous with fast bowling artistry, fell victim to this trend. The change in pitch characteristics not only deprived spectators of thrilling contests but also eroded the very identity that once made Caribbean cricket iconic. Test matches, once festivals of skill and drama, turned predictable, with bowlers rendered powerless under the scorching sun and docile surfaces. 

Yet, there are signs of a renaissance. Recent efforts to restore pace-friendly tracks in the Caribbean—combined with a renewed focus on fast bowling—offer a glimmer of hope. Antigua’s Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, long known for its flat tracks, presented a much-needed deviation from the norm in the recent clash between the West Indies and England. The result? A captivating day of Test cricket that evoked memories of the glorious past. 

The Pitch: An Unpredictable Ally 

The Antigua surface was a cauldron of unpredictability. As England’s Jonny Bairstow described it, “There’s two different grass types. From where the balls were bouncing, there was either a ridge there or something to do with the grass.” Such variability tested every facet of a batter's skill, creating a riveting spectacle. 

This wasn’t merely a surface favouring bowlers—it demanded adaptability and ingenuity from both sides. Variable bounce, combined with significant seam movement (an average of 0.78° as per Cricviz), exposed technical flaws and mental frailties. The pitch brought cricket’s most compelling narratives to life: fast bowlers charging in with menace, batters countering with grit and ingenuity, and a crowd electrified by every twist and turn. 

Hostility Personified: The West Indian Pacers 

Leading the charge was Kemar Roach, whose hostility set the tone from the very first ball. His round-the-wicket angle and sharp movement made life miserable for England’s batters, with debutant Joe Denly nearly dragging one onto his stumps. Roach, fresh off a match-winning performance in Bridgetown, exemplified the aggression that once defined West Indies cricket. 

Shannon Gabriel and Alzarri Joseph complemented Roach perfectly. Gabriel’s fiery leg-cutter to Ben Stokes—a delivery that cut the batter in half—was a reminder of the venom West Indian pacers are capable of producing. Joseph, meanwhile, delivered a brutish lifter that forced Joe Root to fend awkwardly, resulting in a spectacular slip catch. These moments, punctuated by the roar of the crowd, captured the essence of Caribbean cricket: raw pace, relentless hostility, and an unyielding will to dominate. 

A Battle of Wits and Willpower 

Amid the chaos, Jonny Bairstow’s counterattacking brilliance stood out. Eschewing the conventional “grind-it-out” approach, Bairstow launched a calculated assault on the bowlers, transforming the game’s momentum. His 20 attacking shots yielded 41 runs, a remarkable run rate of 12.3 per over on such a treacherous pitch. As Cricviz noted, it was one of Bairstow’s most effective counterattacking innings, blending technical precision with audacious stroke play. 

At the other end, Moeen Ali showcased a contrasting approach. With a recent batting average of 9.87 across four Tests, his innings demanded patience and resolve. For over an hour, Ali fought valiantly, demonstrating improved footwork and a more disciplined defence. Though his innings ended ungainly, its value in stabilizing England’s innings cannot be overstated. 

The Broader Implications 

Antigua’s spiteful deck was not a flaw—it was a feature. The surface brought back the unpredictability and drama that make Test cricket unique. It reminded fans of the 1980s and 1990s when West Indian pacers like Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, and Andy Roberts thrived on pitches that celebrated their craft. 

Cricket administrators have prioritized “featherbeds” to manufacture high scores for too long, mistakenly believing this would attract audiences. Antigua’s Test proved otherwise. Fans crave contests that challenge players, where the balance between bat and ball creates narratives filled with tension and excitement. 

The West Indies must embrace this philosophy to reclaim their legacy. Young fast bowlers need conditions that reward their efforts; fans need matches that inspire fervour. The hostile pitch at Antigua offered a template for the future—one where the West Indies can once again make aggression their hallmark. 

In the words of the roaring crowd at Antigua, as Joseph’s lifter dismissed Root or Gabriel’s cutter humbled Stokes: this is what Test cricket is all about. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar