That England should have a 3–0 lead in the present Test cricket series against West Indies is something that, only a few years ago, would have exceeded the most insane expectations of its supporters. In great measure the success is down to the discovery of excellent talent — Flintoff, Strauss and Key notably — and to the maturing of some older ones, such as Thorpe and Giles. But a significant part of England’s success has been the dismal and gutless way in which our once formidable opponents have now started to play the game of which they were — recently — not only the premier exponents, but also the leading entertainers. As Mr Geoffrey Boycott pointed out on the afternoon of West Indies’ terrible defeat this week, if they were not able to beat England from that position — a handsome first innings lead on a notoriously deteriorating wicket — then it was hard to see when they could ever do so. There is something desperately wrong with West Indian cricket, and if it is not quickly righted the game all round the world will suffer.
Part of the problem is cultural, part of it political, part of it down to personalities. To take the last first, the side is being led by a great batsman — Brian Lara — who is also a hopeless captain. His work on the field has been unintelligent, unmotivating and uninspiring. He seems to have little authority over a team that looks at times amateurish, and at other times like a rabble. His removal must be the first priority. It is hard to see who from the present team could replace him, so imbued do his teammates seem with the casual attitude that so undermines the side.
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