Before the start of the 2020 CPL, there were many issues that needed attention off the field long before the actual performances. However, the task was well done, firstly as far as the players and officials were concerned, and secondly the challenge in which the franchise holders had covered the relevant areas. The listed names on each team were void of the individual support for their countries, especially when the players were employed arbitrarily. Nevertheless, on the field, there were some very talented players, some of which the Caribbean fans were not acquainted with.
Admittedly, the visitors were performing as well as to introduce some very good cricket in all departments of the game, (T20 Style). Being a great supporter of Test Cricket, and realizing that our West Indian players were unable to catch the imagination of success in previous test matches. Some may wish to assume that each of these formats of cricket should be viewed with specifics related to the short version type game.
Despite my thirst for observing our players for the purpose of the future on the five-day contest, my interest was still focused upon the manner in which the ability of the WI players could have produced the quality of Cricket. It dawned on me that the most viewers for this tournament were to pay close attention to each West Indian player carefully.
In previous conversations, Caribbean Fans were hardly ever impressed with the potential of the cadre of actually selected test players. The observation to be scrutinized must be for the purpose of improving the faults of these players who have not been able to address the errors which have appeared in previous matches. I immediately asked the question in a hopeful way, to enquire whether the WI Coach Philip Simmons had attended these matches. Hopefully, the Selectors could well have been present at matches doing exactly what Phil would wish to see.
If they did, there is much to observe, especially viewing the likes of Shai Hope, Lendyl Symonds, Shirman Hetmyer, Blackwood, Evin Lewis, with the bat and our bowlers of various types. The batters who caught the eyes were Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Nicola Pooran occasionally. Blackwood, Charles, and Mayers deserve to attract further attention, while Khary Pierre, Sunil Narine, and Roston Chase, were excellent. What was on show were similar dismissals that have shown up in several technical ways, glaring enough for the selection panel to address the adjustments.
The main attractions were Sheldon Cottrell and Kesrick Williams, both of whom demonstrated good length and line, and very few wide balls. The other quickies appeared to be short of their strategy when seeking to dismiss batsmen. The level of improvement which could be addressed during this CPL tournament can bring much-needed improvement to the players, with the coaches also learning more about their own players. Of course, I shall keep an eye on the players especially for the purpose of improvement.
