West Indies v India, 2nd Test, Jamaica, Day 1 - Yet another frustrating display by the West Indies

I could not understand, why Jason Holder won the toss and elected to bat first. It was a damp track and offered help for the new ball bowlers. Batting was not an impossible task either at Sabina Park – give the first hour to the bowlers and the rest is yours. But, Test cricket is somewhat a negligible thing for this generation of West Indies cricketers. They came out to bat, threw their wickets away, played some flashy strokes and went to refresh themselves in the dressing room after being skittled out for 196.

Ravi Ashwin was the premium wicket taker on a pace-bowling friendly track. It was his 18^th five-wicket haul in 34 Test matches. As a matter of fact, the West Indian batsmen played Ashwin so reluctantly, it was a matter of irritation for the fans. At times, I felt, they didn’t even wish to play Ashwin from the half volley length.

Meanwhile, the exclusion of Carlos Brathwaite was not understandable. He averages 45 with the bat and offers able support with the ball as well. What’s the reason behind continuing with Roston Chase remains a moot question. I expected Alzzari Joseph in the team, but he was not considered.

Even if he was considered, would he be able to deliver the best? I am asking this question after watching some poor bowling display from the West Indian pacers – too short, too wide. Long hops and half volleys. Well, the track still had not lost its life and rather than exploiting it, the new ball bowlers and then, the leggie wasted the opportunities.

While Australia, England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are gifting us some high quality Test match cricket, West Indies and Zimbabwe have been utterly frustrating. At times, I feel,  the Two-tier system is needed to teach a lesson to those teams who are reluctant to play Test cricket.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar