A Time To Celebrate

It would seem that the demise of West Indies cricket has been somewhat overstated.

Sunshine Sammy

Darren Sammy gives it the style and the pose.

A shot worthy of at least an iPad painting.

*!@#!*! That Hurt

Now that is a very obvious headline - any one got a more subtle or subversive caption?

Sarwan Stays Cool

Ramnaresh Sarwan doesn't need an ice pack to look cool but it does help with the pain. Could this be the tournament he finally fulfils all that promise or will style triumph over substance again?

A Bit Of A Puzzle

Ok, I don't actually know what, if anything, is on the Pirate Gayle's mind. I would like to think he is formulating a cunning plan that would see the Windies playing the Black Caps in the World Cup final, but he might just be thinking about what is for afternoon tea. 

The Bolt

If there is one thing that West Indies cricket needs right now it is a shot of Usain Bolt. Talent and charisma are in short supply, so bring in the real deal.

Actually a round of electro shock treatments for the WICB wouldn't be a bad idea either.

Remember The West Indian Titans

The first in an occasional series to remind ourselves that the Windies were once Titans who bestrode the cricket world and scared the hell out of everyone.

RR was just one of what seemed like a production line of powerhouse batsman.

It would be great to think they could rise again.

How Many Sixes Are Too Many?

Too much of a good thing can make you jaded very quickly. There is no point getting too excited about Dwayne Bravo's six because, like London buses, there will be another along in a minute.

Pirate Of The Caribbean

If there is one team that relies almost completely on a single swashbuckler it must be the West Indies. Having declared his love of the T20 format Chris the Corsair has the chance to show just how exciting he thinks it can be, with or without feathered accessories.

If Tomorrow I Was Leaving For Zion ...

... then I wouldn't stay a minute more.

I have changed my mind, no dreamy bucolic vistas for me, I want to be in the same hot dusty stadium as this girl. Even if it means watching Michael Clarke score a ton.

Zen Batsman

It would appear that highly paid semi-retirement agrees with our Mr Lara. He seems both happy and content and I can't but wonder if the orange outfit doesn't give him that Buddhist monk perspective on things. The ICL label has been carefully smudged as I do not want to become a target of BCCI hit men.

Windies Wictorius

A great effort playing the locals at their own game. It sets up the next test as a real contest and it is vital that there is now another legitimate test threat.

A Legend

Chanderpaul is a bloody legend! How many guys his size have carried an entire team on their backs? The fact that he does it his own way and in his own time is even more entertaining.

Back to the Future II

It seems a long time since the West Indies have played a game. If Crowe would be a god send for the Kiwi middle order how good would this guy be opening for the Windies?

Chanderpauls' Chart

Perspective is a wonderful thing. At the moment it is easy to think of Chanderpaul as totally dominant, but of course it hasn't always been that way. The chart above shows that there have a few lean times as well, which is only to be expected over a lengthy career. A big part of this game is the anticipation of what could happen next.

The Rock Of Guyana

A possible cricket wonder of the world.

Notice how most of the really great players are unique in some way or other.

Chanderpaul has a technique all of his own. He seems to always be at odd angles to himself and the rest of the world, and yet it works, and long may it stay so.

Marlon in Red

The title says it all - a red study of a talented and aggressive batsman. Lets hope we get to see some more of him in action.

There has been some talk of ODI boredom but it seems to me that people always get bored more easily when their team doesn't win - speaking strictly as a neutral observer of course.

Wisdom

I love this photo from Cricinfo. The wisdom of age and experience being imparted to a willing audience warms my old teacher bones.

What Next?

For a test series that was supposed to reach no great heights there has been a fair amount of interest and excitement. It would not surprise if there are still a few twists to come on the last day - weather permitting of course.

Special Delivery VII

Too iconic an image to make you guess who it is.

The great Wes Hall had a style all of his own although I noticed while watching an old game last night that Andy Caddick also possessed the side arm flourish, if not always to the same devastating effect.

In both cases they still came over the top as big men should.