`I am not using that as an excuse. I still think that the onus is on the players to find some way to churn up runs and wickets` – Roston Chase.
West Indies cricketer Roston Chase has openly addressed the deep-seated financial difficulties and infrastructure problems that are prevalent throughout the Caribbean region. Despite acknowledging these systemic issues, he firmly stated that he does not consider them an acceptable excuse for the team`s ongoing dismal performances in Test cricket.
The West Indies team has experienced a challenging year, having lost five out of their six Test matches so far. This grim record includes a particularly humbling defeat against Australia in July, where the team was notoriously bowled out for a mere 27 runs. Their struggles continued recently with an innings-and-140-run loss to India on the third day of the opening Test in Ahmedabad, further highlighting their current plight.
Infrastructure and Player Accountability
“I think the systems in the Caribbean are a bit poor in terms of training facilities and stuff,” Chase remarked during his post-match comments. He emphasized his position by adding, “I am not using that as an excuse or something to hide behind for poor performances that we`ve been putting out lately. I still think that the onus is on the players to find some way to churn up runs and wickets and stuff.”
He further elaborated on the pressing financial constraints, highlighting that “There is obviously a struggle in the Caribbean for finances. So whatever help we can get, if they are planning to get the help, I hope that we do get it so that we could strengthen the infrastructure for cricket.” This plea underscores the critical need for external support to bolster the sport`s foundational elements in the region.
Batting Woes and Pitch Conditions
A significant contributing factor to the team`s struggles lies in its batting department. Over their last 15 Test innings, the West Indies have managed to surpass the 250-run mark only a single time. Chase attributed these consistently low averages to the unsupportive pitch conditions and the notoriously slow outfields that are characteristic of cricket grounds in the Caribbean.
“Yeah, that is some of the infrastructure problems that we do have,” he explained. “The pitches in the Caribbean are not really batsman-friendly. So guys don`t really bat for long periods and score those big scores. And then, too, the outfields in the Caribbean are really slow. When you hit the ball in the gaps, you probably end up struggling to get two. Those are just some of the problems that we are faced with in the Caribbean.”
He vividly highlighted the severity of the situation, stating: “That`s why you see guys averaging so low. If you look at the past series we had against Australia, I think that was the first time I`ve ever played an international series where a batsman never scored a hundred in three matches. Obviously, we had a poor batting display. This has been something that has been plaguing us for the past two series.”
The Ahmedabad Match and Defensive Strategy
In the recent Ahmedabad Test, despite winning the toss and choosing to bat first, the West Indies were swiftly bowled out for 162 in their first innings and then for just 146 in their second. Chase expressed his frustration regarding the team`s consistent inability to bat for prolonged periods or to achieve substantial scores, which is crucial in Test cricket.
“We`ve not been able to at least bat 80 overs, bat a day or even get at least 250 or 300 runs on the board,” Chase lamented. He added, “Anytime you win a toss in a Test match and bat and you don`t bat out the first day, you`re always going to be in trouble.”
He believed the wicket in Ahmedabad, despite initial moisture, would have become conducive for batting once it had softened. However, a poor start and the absence of solid partnerships prevented the team from ever establishing a foothold in the game. Chase strongly suggested that batters need to significantly strengthen and place greater trust in their defensive techniques. While acknowledging some challenging rough patches on the wicket, he firmly insisted it was not unplayable, a point vividly demonstrated by the Indian batsmen. “But we need to trust in our defence a bit more,” he concluded, stressing the imperative for a more robust and reliable defensive approach.
Player Availability and Global Leagues
Compounding their difficulties, the West Indies team is currently facing the absence of two pivotal fast bowlers, Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph, both sidelined due to injuries. Adding to this, Jason Holder declined to participate, citing a pre-scheduled medical procedure. The pervasive issue of players prioritizing various formats or lucrative global leagues for financial reasons has also emerged as a significant concern for the team`s stability.
Chase acknowledged this contemporary reality: “One thing I can say is that there`s a lot more cricket being played. There`s not a lot of rest for a player, especially if he`s playing all formats of the game. And then, especially with the leagues around the world, guys are looking to earn their money. They`re not really resting, getting adequate rest that their body may need.”
He conveyed an understanding of the players` motivations, stating: “A guy is going to try to earn his living. So I can`t really fault a guy for trying to go there and be available for whatever cricket it may be that he`s given the opportunity to play.” Chase put forth the idea that if players could maintain peak fitness and manage their workload more effectively, perhaps through strategic selection of formats, it would undoubtedly benefit the team. Nevertheless, he clearly recognizes the current landscape where the pursuit of a livelihood often becomes the dominant factor in players` career decisions.
