Eventful August in West Indies cricket, on and off the field
IT WAS an eventful August month (August 2024 to be precise) in West Indies cricket, on and off the field.
On the field, the West Indies had mixed results in their home series against South Africa. Off the field, there were a few topics involving a few West Indian players.
Here is a look at an interesting month in West Indies cricket….
ANOTHER HOME TEST SERIES DEFEAT
The West Indies suffered another home Test series defeat, by a 1-0 margin against South Africa, in a two-game contest.
The first Test, at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad, was badly affected by rain and ended in a draw, but South Africa triumphed in the second Test, in Guyana, by 40 runs – in THREE DAYS.
The high points for the West Indies in this series were the bowling of Jayden Seales and left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, as well as the batting of ex-skipper Jason Holder.
Seales was the WI go-to bowler in the series, and finished as the top wicket-taker with 12 scalps at an average of 18.08, including a career-best 6/61 in the second innings in Guyana.
Warrican, selected as the second spinner in the WI XI, had eight victims in the two Tests, and easily out-bowled the incumbent spinner, fellow left-armer Gudakesh Motie.
Holder showed that he is indeed comfortable in the number six position in the batting line-up, and emerged as the WI leading run-getter with 121 runs, at an average of 60.5.
WEST INDIES SWEEP SOUTH AFRICA IN T20 SERIES
The three-match T20 series took place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.
South Africa blooded a few players, while the West Indies kept most of the players who were involved in the ICC T20 World Cup in June. In the end, experience proved decisive as the WI took care of South Africa in all three matches, by seven wickets, 30 runs and eight wickets (under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method) respectively.
Shai Hope looked to have made the best of his time as an opening batsman – his tally of 134 runs at 67.0 saw him adjudged as the Player of the Series, while former skipper Nicholas Pooran showed good form with 119 runs at 59.5.
With regards to the bowling, Romario Shepherd led the way with six wickets, followed by fellow pacers Joseph and Matthew Forde (five apiece) and left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein (four).
DOTTIN NAMED IN WI WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP SQUAD
Deandra Dottin was named in the West Indies team for the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which has been shifted from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates. The World Cup will take place in October.
The squad will be led by Hayley Matthews and features established members Shemaine Campbelle (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Chedean Nation, Chinelle Henry, Karishma Ramharack, Qiana Joseph, Shamila Connell, Stafanie Taylor and Zaida James.
Rounding off the squad are Ashmini Munisar, Mandy Mangru and the uncapped Nerissa Crafton.
GABRIEL HANGS UP INTERNATIONAL BOOTS
Veteran fast bowler Shannon Gabriel announced on Instagram, on August 28, that he was retiring from international cricket. The 36-year-old Trinidad and Tobago player took 166 Test wickets (from 59 matches) and 33 One-Day International scalps (from 25 matches) in a career which ran from 2012 to 2023.
"During the past 12 years, I have dedicated myself to playing international cricket for the West Indies,” said Gabriel. “Playing this beloved game at the highest level has brought me immense joy, but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Today, I am announcing my retirement from international cricket.
"Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to God for the numerous blessings and the opportunities my family and I have received during my time playing for the West Indies,” he continued. “Secondly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Cricket West Indies administrators, coaches, and staff members. Words cannot adequately convey the appreciation I have for your hard work and support over the years. Last but not least, I am grateful to my teammates and all those who have stood by me and supported me along the way. You have made my journey to the top truly special.”
He ended, "Moving forward, my plan is to continue representing my country, club, and franchise teams around the world with the same love and passion I have shown throughout my career."
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