An exciting triangular One-Day series is anticipated from Friday when hosts West Indies square off with India and Sri Lanka
Kemar RoachClive Lloyd
for supremacy at various venues across the region. And, according to ex-West Indies and Guyana skipper Clive Lloyd, the Caribbean side can capture the title but their bowlers need to be consistent.
He made this revelation on Sunday in Toronto where he was part of the Guyana delegation that celebrated the country’s 47th Independence anniversary in Scarborough.
The former left-handed batsman felt the bowling is a little erratic but should they play to the best of their abilities, winning the tournament will not be difficult for the Caribbean side.
“I strongly believe we have a very good and balanced team but the guys have got to play to the best of their abilities; the bowling’s a little weak, they need to work and try different bowlers. Kemar Roach is an excellent bowler and he should be the one to look at while I think they should try Guyanese fast bowler Ronsford Beaton; he is very impressive,” the 68-year-old Lloyd asserted.
The Caribbean side will be led by Trinidadian Dwayne Bravo, starting off their campaign against Sri Lanka at Sabina Park, Jamaica, on Friday. Two days after, they play India at the same venue.
Lloyd also stated that Bravo is a good captain but cited that the selectors should have continued with Darren Sammy, who was recently relieved of the position for ODIs. Lloyd, who featured in 110 Test and 87 ODI matches for West Indies and an amazing 490 First-Class matches, reckoned that the tournament will be great preparation for the ICC World Cup next year.
“It will serve as a preparation series for West Indies and the other participating teams; I think we have great ‘strikers’ of the ball and that should boost their confidence of this important assignment beginning on Friday; they are at home and that is a huge advantage,” the veteran cricket administrator revealed.
He also spoke of Bravo’s captaincy mentioning that Sammy is a versatile cricketer and should have still held the position.
“I don’t have a problem with Dwayne’s (Bravo) captaincy; he is a fine cricketer and can be called upon anytime, but I think Sammy has taken over the responsibility at a difficult time and he has done well since then and deserved a longer try, however, I am confident they will do well against Sri Lanka and India in the Caribbean,” Lloyd concluded.
