The last year has been one of confusion at understanding the progress of West Indies international cricket. The senior team made a world record 418 to win a Test match in Antigua, compliments of Shiv Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan centuries, yet lost the series convincingly to Australia. Then, the West Indies beat both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe; barely; while the One Day team managed to embarrass supporters in the World Cup. If there was real progress, then it was not fully visible; 2004 will not start any better.
South Africa under Graeme Smith has taken on an aura of being classy while winning. Talking and linking with the South African players are like having a chummy conversation with a smiling executioner, the guy who would pull the lever!!
South Africa are still smarting from the situation in the United Kingdom earlier this year when they led a series 2-0, only to end up drawing it 2-2. The embarrassment of losing to Pakistan has even galvanized them to be more intent on shutting out the West Indies in this present series. They do not intend to slip up twice.
Many have suggested that the South African bowling attack should not get the West Indies out twice in a Test match, yet the bowlers, Makhaya Ntini, their most aggressive and improved bowler, Andre Nel, surprising with his pace and aggression, Shaun Pollock, assured with his accuracy and either Jacques Kallis, Andrew Hall or Jacques Rudolph, have all shown that they are as effective against the West Indies as is required, getting the visitors out four times so far. The South African bowling is either good enough for the West Indies or the West Indies batsmen are simply too poor a force.
To add to that, spinner Paul Adams would probably be playing in the 3rd Test, perhaps in place of Hall, since the game would be played at the wonderfully-appointed and geographically-positioned Newlands Stadium, situated at the feet of Table Mountains, perhaps one of the world most awe-inspiring and beautiful sites for cricket, especially from the vantage point of an airplane!!
Unfortunately for the West Indies cricket team, the view would not be nice going into 2004. The injuries the team has had defy understanding and one wonders if these are as a result of bad instructions or bad effectiveness. Whatever the reason, the 3rd Test is probably going to be even tougher for the West Indies than the first two, if that could be possible.
Already, South Africa, through Graeme Smith himself, Herschell Gibbs, Jacques Rudolph, Gary Kirsten and Jacques Kallis, not to mention Shaun Pollock and Mark Boucher chipping in, has made about 1500 runs against the West Indies bowling attack and in only three times at the crease so far this series. At an average of about 500 runs per innings, and only one full completion of a South African innings, the West Indian bowlers should realize that they are not getting the job done as it should be. Hence, the plan should now be different.
The West Indies should bite the bullet and play the 3rd Test with FIVE specialist bowlers, since that uncommon combination could give them a chance at a victory. Merve Dillon still averages only three wickets a Test match, and he is the best of the lot. Fidel Edwards is now showing his age, young, hopeful, impressionable, but also not as energetic as weeks ago. Vasbert Drakes is also showing his age; old and really, not fully effective at all. Adam Sanford in the 3rd Test was an embarrassment to fast bowlers anywhere. If Dave Mohammed and the returning Corey Collymore could make a difference will have to be seen. At least it gives the captain, Brian Lara, who might also have another returning batsman, Chris Gayle, available, options, with them all included.
Believe it. South Africa is trying for another white-wash. The West Indies are again fighting for their dignity overseas, having lost more than 75% of their last 30-odd overseas Test matches. Some players are even playing for their cricketing lives. Test No. 3 will be tough for both the visitors and the hosts, for obviously different reasons.