Kingston (Jamaica): The Cricket West Indies Tuesday invited former greats of the game Clive Lloyd, Vivian Richards and Brian Lara to strengthen discussions on how to revive cricket in the Caribbean, following the team’s abject surrender in a 0-3 Test series whitewash at home against Australia.
Australia won the inconsequential third Test by 176 runs, riding on Mitchell Starc’s sensational 6/9 and Scott Boland’s hat-trick to dismiss the West Indies for 27 — the second-lowest total ever in Test cricket.
They fell just one run short of the all-time lowest score due to a misfield.
Australia needed only 14.3 overs to bowl out the hosts in the first day-night Test at Sabina Park.
“To strengthen the discussions, I have extended invitations to three of our greatest batsmen ever: Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards, and Brian Lara,” president of CWI, Kishore Shallow said in a statement.
“They will join past greats Dr Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Dr The Most Honourable Desmond Haynes, Ian Bradshaw, who already serve on the committee.”
“This engagement is not ceremonial. These are men who helped define our golden eras, and their perspectives will be invaluable as we shape the next phase of our cricket development. We intend for this gathering to result in tangible, actionable recommendations.
“Consistent with my message over the last weeks, this is a moment that calls for collaboration, not division. We need everyone on board: fans, players, coaches, legends, and administrators, if we are to truly move forward. There is much work to be done. But we must do it with purpose, and we must do it together,” he added.
Shallow further stated that it is a rebuilding phase for West Indies cricket and everyone has to have patience for fruitful results in the future.
“Like every West Indian cricket fan, I felt the pain of our recent Test defeat to Australia. The result hurts deeply, not only because of how we lost, but because of what West Indies cricket has always represented to our people: pride, identity, and possibility.
“There will be some sleepless nights ahead for many of us, including the players, who I know feel this loss just as heavily. But while disappointment is natural, we must not allow this moment to define our journey.” he said.
“We are in a rebuilding phase, steadily investing in the next generation, and reigniting the spirit that has long made West Indies cricket a force in the world.
“Progress is rarely straightforward. It takes time, perseverance, and belief, especially in our most difficult moments. The road ahead will test us, but I have faith in the talent and commitment of our players when they apply themselves,” he added.
Shallow observed that bowling is not a concern for the West Indies but it is the batting department which needs to improve.
“We have already seen encouraging signs, particularly with the ball. Our batters are keen, but now must be even more deliberate as they work to improve.
“Now is not the time to turn away. Now is the time to stand even closer as a people. These are the moments that shape us,” he said.
Disappointed with the recent performance, the West Cricket chief had convened an emergency meeting of the board.
“As an immediate step, I have advised the Chair of the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee to convene an emergency meeting to review the recent Test series against Australia, particularly the final match,” Shallow said.
PTI
