West Indies will be taking on a
challenge that is among the toughest in Test cricket on the tour of Sri Lanka
from Sunday. The magnitude of the task before West Indies is obvious from the
two most significant stats: in the last six years, Sri Lanka’s win-loss record
at home is next only to Australia’s and West Indies’ away record during this
period is the worst among all teams (excluding Zimbabwe, who have only played
four away Tests during this period).
That West Indies have fallen from
the lofty perch they occupied in the 1970s and 80s is obvious, but what still
boggles the mind is the extent to which they’ve slipped. According to the ICC
rankings, they’re seventh in Tests – barely above New Zealand – and eighth in
ODIs, only a few decimal points better than Bangladesh. Since January 2004,
they’ve won a mere five Tests, and never more than one in any given year.
During this period they’ve lost 37, which has ensured that their overall
win-loss ratio has dipped to 152 wins, 154 losses and the rest draws in 465
matches. After the three Tests in Sri Lanka, it’s almost certain that the gap
between wins and losses will increase further.
What is immediately apparent when
analysing their record in the past 10 years is the manner in which their
bowling has completely fallen away since Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose
retired.
Kemar Roach will spearhead the
bowling in Sri Lanka but he has little fast bowling backup. All rounders Darren
Bravo and big brother Dwayne and new captain Darren Sammy will have plenty of
pressure and the spin bowling of Sulieman Benn and Shane Shillingford will be
crucial.
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