An Open Letter to West Indies Cricket Team: Get up, Stand up and Reach the Top

 

Dear West Indies Cricket Team,

You don’t know me. I am just another cricket fan from Bangladesh, writing to you in the hope that my words might resonate with the echoes of your storied past and illuminate the path toward a brighter future.

Let me begin with honesty—the kind of heartbreak you delivered to me and my nation on Valentine’s Day was difficult to digest. Yet, as a neutral cricket admirer, I find myself compelled to celebrate you for that very same triumph. There is a unique joy in witnessing a team rise against the odds, silencing critics with grit and flair. And that’s precisely what you did.

Like many, I confess, I was sceptical about the squad you brought to Bangladesh. As someone who grew up admiring cricket legends like Imran Khan and Sir Vivian Richards, the West Indies has always held a special place in my heart. I have seen your team dominate the world, and it was a painful experience to witness your decline. Yet, like countless optimists, I continue to dream of the resurgence of Caribbean cricket.

Your fall from grace has often felt inexplicable: the inconsistency, the off-field turmoil, the allure of T20 leagues over Test cricket—it’s been frustrating to watch. How could a team that once epitomized the beauty of Test cricket lose its passion for the format? This question haunts not just me but cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Back in the vibrant Caribbean islands, cricket was more than a game; it was a declaration of identity and defiance. Legends like Learie Constantine, George Headley, Wes Hall, and Sir Frank Worrell wielded bat and ball as instruments of liberation. They donned whites not just to play but to prove that the black community could outshine anyone on the global stage. Test cricket became the canvas where the Caribbean painted its brilliance—a medium to showcase talent, resilience, and unmatched flair.

The West Indies didn’t just play Test cricket; they redefined it. Batting was as joyful as a calypso beat in Antigua, and the ball was a fireball in the hands of Holding and Marshall. The world watched in awe as Worrell, Sobers, and Viv transformed the sport into an art form, one that inspired millions. “Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights,” sang Bob Marley, and your cricket embodied that ethos.

Today, it’s hard to reconcile that glorious past with the current state of West Indies cricket. Yet, every now and then, you remind us of your potential, leaving us dreaming of a revival. This was evident during your recent tour of Bangladesh. Kyle Mayers’ heroics in Chattogram and your team’s remarkable finish at the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium were nothing short of inspiring.

As a Bangladeshi, I was heartbroken by my team’s performance, their lack of fight in the longest format. But as a cricket fan, I couldn’t help but marvel at your determination. The so-called “below-par” West Indies team had painted Bangladesh maroon, proving that the spirit of Test cricket still flickers in the Caribbean.

Players like Nkrumah Bonner, Joshua Da Silva, Rahkeem Cornwall, Jomel Warrican, and Mayers are the bright spots of this tour. They embody the qualities that once made the West Indies invincible. But talent alone is not enough. What you need now is a vision—a sense of purpose and a commitment to nurturing the game’s longest and most challenging format.

Let me remind you of Marley’s wisdom:

“Preacher man, don’t tell me Heaven is under the earth I know you don’t know What life is really worth… So now you see the light, eh”

The light you glimpse in Bangladesh should guide you. It’s a beacon, urging you to reclaim your legacy. Test cricket is not just a format; it’s the soul of the game, and it’s where the West Indies belongs.

As a fan, I yearn for the day when the Caribbean rules the cricketing world again. I believe in your ability to rise, to inspire, and to reignite the magic of your golden era. As Marley said, “None but ourselves can free our minds.” Free your minds. Embrace the light. Everything will be fine.

Get up. Stand up.

With hope and admiration,

A Cricket Fan from Bangladesh

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar

The Dawn of a New Hero: Kyle Mayers and the Miracle at Chattogram

 

No regrets. Never satisfied. Never say die. Never lose your temper.

These words, which might have echoed in the minds of Clive Lloyd’s legendary West Indian team, defined an era of dominance that lasted two decades. Lloyd, who learned these lessons through adversity, built a cricketing empire that ruled the world with an iron fist and a flair unmatched. 

Today, however, the Caribbean cricketers seem to have drifted far from that ethos. The focus has shifted from grit to glamour, from Test match resilience to T20 fireworks. Yet, amid the chaos and inconsistency, there are moments—fleeting but brilliant—when the spirit of the old West Indies resurfaces. 

Chattogram, on a fateful Day 5, witnessed one such moment. 

The Setting: A Test in the Shadows of Doubt

Coming into the Test series, the West Indies were a team under scrutiny. Their lacklustre performance in the ODI series against Bangladesh had left fans disheartened and critics sharpening their pens. The first Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium seemed destined to end in yet another Caribbean capitulation. 

But cricket, like life, thrives on unpredictability. What unfolded on the final day was not just a victory but a tale of resilience, courage, and belief—epitomized by a debutant named Kyle Mayers. 

The Miracle Chase: A Battle of Wits and Will

Chasing 395 on a fifth-day pitch in Asia is a task that tests the mettle of even the most seasoned teams. For a side as inexperienced and battered as the West Indies, it seemed an impossible mountain to climb. At 59 for 3, the climb looked steeper than ever. 

Enter Kyle Mayers and Nkrumah Bonner. 

What followed was a masterclass in Test cricket batting. Bonner, the anchor, dropped roots at the crease, absorbing pressure and holding one end steady. Mayers, the aggressor, played with controlled audacity, finding gaps, rotating the strike, and punishing loose deliveries. 

Their partnership of 216 runs for the fourth wicket was a symphony of grit and flair. It wasn’t just about runs; it was about intent and clarity of purpose. They respected the conditions, valued their wickets, and played each ball on its merit. 

A Test of Character: The Final Push

When Bonner fell for 86, the West Indies still needed 129 runs in the final session. The dismissal of Jermaine Blackwood soon after added to the tension. At 292 for 5, the scales seemed to tip back in Bangladesh’s favor. 

But Mayers was unyielding. With Joshua Da Silva offering crucial support, he unleashed a calculated assault on the Bangladeshi bowlers. The pressure, palpable on both sides, seemed to fuel his resolve. A towering six here, a crisply driven four there—Mayers dismantled the field settings and exposed the limitations of Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque’s tactics. 

Even when wickets fell at the other end, Mayers remained a picture of composure. His unbeaten 210—an innings of rare brilliance—etched his name in cricketing folklore. 

The Numbers Behind the Glory

- Mayers became only the sixth batsman in Test history to score a double century in the fourth innings. 

- His 210 not out is the highest fourth-innings score in Asia, surpassing Younis Khan’s 171* against Sri Lanka in 2015. 

- The 216-run stand with Bonner was the second-highest partnership for debutants in Test cricket and the second-highest fourth-innings partnership in Asia. 

The Lessons from Chattogram

This victory was not just about statistics; it was about rediscovering the essence of West Indies cricket. It reminded the world of the Caribbean’s ability to rise from the ashes, to turn despair into delight. 

For Bangladesh, the loss was a harsh lesson in strategy and execution. Mominul’s field placements and the inability of the bowlers to exploit the Day 5 pitch proved costly. The missed reviews and dropped chances compounded their woes. 

Yet, nothing should detract from the heroics of Mayers and his teammates. They trusted their defence, embraced the grind, and showed the world that Test cricket is still the ultimate test of character. 

A New Chapter in West Indies Cricket?

Chattogram turned maroon that day, not just in colour but in spirit. Kyle Mayers’ innings was a beacon of hope for a team and a region yearning for a revival. It was a reminder that the Caribbean can still produce players with the heart of Lloyd, the grit of Chanderpaul, and the flair of Greenidge. 

As the sun set on a historic day, one could almost hear the echoes of a long-lost mantra: "No regrets. Never satisfied. Never say die." 

Kyle Mayers didn’t just win a Test match; he reignited a dream. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

West Indies Toir of Bangladesh: What is the Purpose of West Indies in Bangladesh?

In a world still grappling with the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, cricket has served as a bridge to normalcy, a reminder of shared passions amid global uncertainties. For Bangladesh, the return of international cricket, albeit under stringent health protocols, offered a sense of purpose. However, the West Indies tour of Bangladesh in early 2021 was far from the competitive spectacle that fans might have hoped for. 

A Depleted Side and the Shadow of Doubt 

The West Indies arrived in Bangladesh with a squad that could, at best, be described as makeshift. Ten of their frontline players, including stalwarts like Jason Holder, Kieron Pollard, and Shai Hope, opted out due to COVID-19 concerns or personal reasons. The void left by these absences was glaring, and while coach Phil Simmons and stand-in captain Jason Mohammed spoke optimistically about the tour, their words struggled to mask the reality of the situation. 

The squad was a blend of untested talents and journeymen, with several players earning maiden call-ups. The Test team, led by Kraigg Brathwaite, and the ODI side, captained by Mohammed, carried the weight of expectations that seemed insurmountable given their lack of experience. 

The ODI Series: A Sobering Reality 

From the outset, the ODI series highlighted the disparity between the two sides. Bangladesh, buoyed by the return of stalwarts like Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, outclassed the visitors in every department. The opening match in Dhaka set the tone: six West Indies players made their ODI debuts, and the team folded meekly, managing only 122 runs—a target Bangladesh chased down with ease. 

The second and third ODIs followed a similar script, with Bangladesh clinching a 3-0 series win. The Tigers displayed clinical efficiency, but the lack of resistance from the West Indies rendered their victories hollow. The Caribbean side's performance was characterized by brittle batting, toothless bowling, and a lack of intensity—a far cry from the swagger and resilience that once defined West Indies cricket. 

Questions of Intent and Commitment 

The West Indies’ lacklustre showing raised uncomfortable questions about their priorities. Was this tour merely an obligation, a box to tick in the ICC Super League? The absence of key players, coupled with the underwhelming performances of those who did take the field, suggested a troubling indifference to the longer formats of the game. 

Jason Mohammed, in his pre-series remarks, spoke of leading a young and exciting group. Yet, the promise of emerging talent was nowhere to be seen. The team’s body language betrayed a lack of hunger, and their cricketing execution bordered on amateurish. For a side that once dominated world cricket, the display in Bangladesh was nothing short of a travesty. 

The Legacy of West Indies Cricket 

The West Indies' decline in the longer formats is not a new narrative, but the tour of Bangladesh underscored the depths to which they have sunk. The legendary Clive Lloyd, a symbol of the Caribbean’s golden era, has often spoken about the need for discipline, pride, and commitment to the badge. Yet, those qualities were conspicuously absent in Dhaka and Chattogram. 

For Bangladesh, the series served as a warm-up for tougher assignments ahead. But for the West Indies, it was a sobering reminder of their cricketing reality. The ODI Super League, designed to add context to bilateral series, demands consistency and competitiveness. By fielding a third-tier side, the West Indies not only jeopardized their chances of direct qualification for the 2023 World Cup but also undermined the integrity of the competition. 

Looking Ahead: The Test Series and Beyond 

The Test series loomed as an opportunity for redemption. Kraigg Brathwaite and his men had the chance to restore some pride and show that the West Indies still value the traditional format. The challenge, however, was steep. Bangladesh, emboldened by their ODI triumph, were unlikely to relent, and the onus was on the visitors to rise above their limitations. 

The words of Clive Lloyd and other Caribbean greats should serve as a rallying cry for this generation of West Indies cricketers. The legacy they inherit is one of dominance, flair, and resilience. To honour that legacy, they must embrace the hard yards, whether on the spinning tracks of Bangladesh or the seaming pitches of England. 

A Call for Reflection 

The West Indies tour of Bangladesh was more than a series; it was a litmus test for the region’s cricketing ethos. The results were disappointing, but the lessons are invaluable. Cricket in the Caribbean has always been about more than just the game—it is a reflection of the region’s identity, spirit, and unity. To reclaim their place in the cricketing world, the West Indies must find a way to balance the allure of T20 leagues with the demands of international cricket. 

For now, the memories of Dhaka and Chattogram linger as a painful reminder of what was lost. But within those memories lies the potential for a renaissance—if only the West Indies are willing to seize it. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar