West Indies have forgotten how to win

THE EDITOR, Madam:

It would appear that the West Indies cricket team has forgotten how to win,which was quite evident in their performance, or lack thereof, in that recently concluded One-Day International and T20 series against India.

It was advantage West Indies at several crucial stages during the matches in that series. Only that the team seem to relinquish those pole positions softly. The clinical applications necessary to win matches, especially in close encounters, were not applied. Let’s look at the statistics. West Indies were 68 for two after the power play in the second T20 match, but they failed to keep the momentum going. They lost by 16 runs in the third match, with six batsmen sitting in the pavilion; even with the firepower that the team has, it ended at 179 for three. I could not understand why the batsmen did not take the risks in the last four overs – that game was for West Indies to take.

Losing matches which could have been won, can be attributed to a loss of confidence – in individual players and in the abilities of their fellow teammates. In summary, psychological effect taking its toll on the players ,

The region is not short of talent. In fact, with 17 players recently landing contracts with various franchises in the lucrative and exciting Indian Premier League, this speaks volumes about the abilities of our players.

The problem, in my opinion, lies in the fact that the West Indies has been in a losing streak, which is taking a toll on the players and their morale.

It is often said that big men don’t cry, but it is far from reality. The West Indies team needs a full-time psychologist to work with the players at this juncture – this will rebuild confidence, and they can get back to winning ways.

DALGALISH HENRY SR