Could West Indies achieve its lost glory....

[ellawilson]

In the decade of 1970's and 1980's West Indies was most powerful force in the world of cricket. They were unbeatable. This team won two world cups in 1975 and 1979 and reached the finals of world cup in 1983. The openers in the team were Desmond Hayens and Gorden Greenide who were known to be the best openers in world in those times. This pair created many records in those times. The strengh of this opening partnership was of such great extent that they used to win matches on their own while chasing the scores and there was no need for other batsman to bat. On one down it was Richie Richardson who later on became the captain of West Indies. Then who can forget the attacking batsman Vivian Richard. His record of fastest century in test cricket against england on 55 balls still remains unbeaten. His batting style was extraordinary and people enjoyed watching his fast and agresstive style of batting. Clive lloyd was the most stable,shrewd Captain who had great leadership qualities. West indian team had bowlers like Malcom Marshall and garner. They were considred as the most difficult bowlers to play. Players used to fear just on seeing them coming to bowl. Only experienced players and technically sound batsman could face them. There were other players like Roger Harper,Michael Holding,Jeff Dujon, Davis and Gus Logie. Besides these there were players like Sir Gary Sobers and Kalicharan. Sir gary sobers was the greatest alrounders in those times. Later on in the early 90's they had other great bowlers like Walsh and Ambrose, but at that time the downfall of West Indies cricket had started.


This West Indies team was truly unbeatable but its the past . People memory is very short and glorius acheivements are forgotton very soon the way new comes in existence. There are still players like Lara,Chanderpal and Ramnaresh Sarwan and Chris Gayle. Lara went on becoming the highest score in test cricket two times and higest ever score in first class cricket. Still its not even the shadow of that West Indies team which existed in the decade of 70's and 80's. What could be the reason of downfall in West Indies Cricket. One of these reason is that existing youngsters have started taking interest in other sports like basball and basketball etc and they are moving to America. It was also the money issue,the players dont find themselves secure. But the coming worldcup 2007 is going to be held in the West Indies and it will help in the promotion of this sport again. Lets hope that the West Indies will achieve its lost crowning glory in the world of cricket again.