West Indies are getting ready to for a bumper season with games against South Africa, Australia and Pakistan. In most of the games, they infact start as the favourites. This is something the West Indies are not used to in recent years. All the games promises to be closely fought contests. Mind games have already started between South Africa and West Indies. Also, a major part of the Australian first team have withdrawn from the series. This piece is about the West Indies home season.
First series against South Africa
West Indies starts their home season with a full series against South Africa. It consists of a couple of tests and some limited over games. The South African team have landed at St. Lucia ahead of their series and none have been tested positive for the virus. This is a good start to the tour. Now the mind games have begun. Lungi Ngidi expects South Africa to clean sweep the series. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to transform words into action. South Africa have travelled with a good pace attack. In Rabada, Ngidi and Nortje, they have a bowling attack that is capable of inducing fear in any batting line-up.
They will be ably supported by the spin of Maharaj. However, South African batting leaves a lot to be desired. Faf is not available and there isn’t much quality in the batting department. This is not just in tests but even in limited overs. So it remains to be seen how Ngidi expects his team to clean sweep the series.
Ngidi’s comments
“Look, for me personally, 2-0 is what any team will be looking for. To be honest we are looking forward to a Test series win.”
“It has been a while since we have been able to put in solid, convincing performances and blow teams away.
“So that is what we are focusing on. We have some experience in the team and we have some youth.
Strong words for a team who is struggling and currently, ranked below West Indies.
South Africa have never lost a series to West Indies. Either tests or in white ball cricket. Things are much different this time around. South Africa is weak. Rabadda has lost some of his potency. West Indies eventhough they aren’t that excellent either, they have had some good performances in their own region which actually gives them an edge. If South Africa fails to win the series, Ngidi will not want to look at himself in the mirror.
Phil Simmons wants to attack with pace
Phil Simmons, the West Indies coach wants to target South Africa with pace. Granted they have the fire power in Gabriel, Roach, Joseph and the uncapped but young and raw Jayden Seales. The last named seems a good young prospect. Certainly, Roger Harper seems to think so
“I saw a young bowler perform in those games when Test players and the best of our regional first-class players were playing, and he performed exceedingly well, better than a number of players that have been playing first-class cricket over a number of years,”
“So, I would like to think if he can perform well in those games against those players, he has the potential to transfer that onto the Test scene.”
However, pace is unlikely to rattle South Africa. If the pitches suit fast bowling, whichever team bats better will eventually be the winners. This is one department the West Indies have a slight edge over South Africa. Ngidi again,
“They probably prepared wickets that are going to suit those guys but you know when you have Anrich Nortjé running in at 150km/h and Kagiso Rabada at 145 and at times into the 150s as well‚ and if they make it seam around‚ then it plays perfectly into our hands.
All West Indies will have to do is to play Rabadda and Nortje safe and get Elgar early. The series will be theirs.
Australia will be missing regular players
Next up will be Australia and this is where the West Indian team have a real chance to string a few victories. Most of the first choice Australians will not be travelling. Australia will be sending a completely inexperienced team. Smith, Warner, Cummins, Labuschagne will not be going to the West Indies. Perhaps this is Australia’s version of maintain an alternate side like India but this is advantage West Indies.