A Sour Moment in West Indian Cricket

What should have been a glorious day for West Indies cricket turned out to be a shocking one, based on one indiscreet and ignominious act by someone who is Captain of the Trinidad and Tobago team and had at one time been Vice Captain of the West Indies team. Of course, I am speaking about Danesh Ramdin, who on his early entry into the West Indies team had been touted as a possible West Indian Captain. All cricket fans would have seen or heard about the incident.{{more}} Vivian Richards is a West Indian icon, but that isn’t the point; for I would have been equally appalled if Ramdin’s public display at what should have been a glorious moment for him, was targeted at any other commentator. After having reached an important century, after so often disappointing West Indian Cricket fans, Ramdin should have let his century do the talking for him. As it turned out there was more talk about his unbecoming display than about his century or Tino Best’s magnificent performance.

For me, it was not so much about Vivian Richards being the target of his anger, but it went further and displayed something about the West Indian mentality. Why would he want to target in this way a West Indian icon, loved the world over, for a comment about him that deserved to be made? What many commentators focused on was the sheet of paper he pulled from his pocket with the words: “Yea Viv Talk Nah”. But more disgusting was what he mumbled and if one looked carefully there should be no doubt about what he was communicating. It was a childish display, made even more so because this had been carefully thought out before. When something is done at a very emotional time and with the pressure born of the criticisms that had been levelled, one can understand, even if not be pleased with it. But to have taken pains to write the note before, even when he was not sure of getting his century, says a lot.

Sammy, I believe it was, who said that when he made his maiden century in Barbados, he pulled out a piece of paper on which he had written the names of players whom he thanked for getting him to that point. So, that apparently is his way, and even Sammy jokingly said he must keep notes in his pocket more often because they seem to inspire him. Sammy, obviously, was not suggesting notes of the nature of what was produced at Edgbaston. The ICC has fined him for breach of ICC regulations, but the West Indian Cricket Board needs to have an urgent talk with Mr Ramdin. True enough he apologised and I am firmly of the belief that he realised he had erred and gone totally overboard, but one has to guarantee that nothing like that happens again. Vivian Richards seemed to have taken the matter in stride.

It should also have been the best of times for West Indies cricket. We have been mostly disappointed with the performance of our team in England. The last wicket partnership of 143 between Best and Ramdin was like a breadth of fresh air. It didn’t help the West Indies to win the test, but Best’s 95 was a record for the highest score by a number 11 in the history of Test cricket. So, that was wonderful and did in a sense demonstrate what Sammy and coach Gibson said they were doing with the team, creating a never say die spirit and instilling confidence in them. We didn’t have a lot to shout about in the series, but the partnership frustrated, if not humbled, the English team and really woke up cricket fans, many who were looking at the game, hoping to see Best reach that milestone. Ramdin and Best talked frequently to each other and appeared to be comforting and providing support to one another, although at times you would have thought from Best’s antics that he was the senior partner, directing affairs. But that is Tino and he would have done the same if Chanderpaul was at the other end.

One thing my experience has taught me is that in situations where you are waiting and hoping that your partner reaches that milestone, you need to speak to him after every ball. They were coming along beautifully, taking few chances and getting their runs in singles. Anyone who has faced that situation before knows that, even for established batsmen, the nearer you get to the century, the more nervous and anxious you become. A few balls before losing his wicket, Tino hit one in the air through covers that fell a little short of the fieldsman there. Tino, as he got nearer, was hoping to do it with one stroke and that was his downfall. He might hope that he will be in the position again to correct his error, but it is a long shot; one swallow does not a summer make. Tino is probably thinking to himself that he needs to replace Darren Bravo at no. 4 (laugh), but as I write this article I note that Bravo has scored 112 not out against Middlesex. Let us hope this marks a turning point for the young man who has been the biggest disappointment for the series.

All credit must be given to Marlon Samuels for his discipline and maturity. His 386 runs at an average of 96.5 made him joint ‘man of the series’ with the English Andrew Strauss. I have often been a critic of Daren Sammy and so must compliment him on his maiden test century. Many commentators have pointed out that, in short spells, the team showed glimpses of hope and of what they can possibly do. For me the last wicket stand between Ramdin and Best ably demonstrated that new spirit we are hoping is present. As the team gears itself for the One-Day series against England, it appears that the selectors are going to have difficulty selecting the first one-day team. As I write, the match against Middlesex is still in progress. Dwayne Smith has announced his availability with a score of 96 and with Middlesex 62 for 4, Russell has already collected two wickets. Let us hope that our One-Day team can shut the mouths of the English critics and remove the snotty attitude of the English players, who consider themselves the greatest of the great.

Dr Adrian Fraser is a social commentator and historian.