Blogs Finally WI Have Semblance of a Bowling ‘Attack’
March 29th, 2009 by calypsoI am not writing this because the West Indies are leading the one-day series against England 2 to 1 and also won the test series against them. I truly feel that after a long time, the national team has finally got its hand on a set of bowlers that can constantly put up serious questions to the batsmen of opposing teams. Edwards had been the young bowler who could bowl with a lot of pace but couldn’t deliver when-it-mattered for quite some time. However, slowly he is progressing into developing into the team’s leading bowler. People expected a lot from him when he first came into the team, not realizing that he had literally no senior bowler to ease him into this role. He struggled with questions about his own ability and fitness but has now come back, stronger, mentally and physically and his young shoulders look good enough to carry the bowling attack for some years.
Another man like him who is slowly realizing that there is no option but to take up the cradle of responsibility themselves is Jerome Taylor. When he first saw him, Sir Sobers said that this man would surely crack the 350-test wicket bracket with ease. Yes, Taylor does have that sort of a talent but it is his fitness that continues to bog down his presence in the team. The new additions to this combo include Darren Powell and Lionel Baker. What puts all these men in good standing is the ability to bowl at 85 miles per hour mark consistently without showing signs of tiring out. Collymore wasn’t doing much with his slowish pace and had to be left out. Instead, the team is now sticking to these four men, who have the mettle to bowl against daunting batsmen and consistently bowl with some degree of venom — something that just evaporated from the team for more than a decade.
Their support line too isn’t that bad with the likes of Bravo and Sammy who are capable to filling-in with long and steady spells and bat as well. I agree that the names mentioned here aren’t exactly setting the world stage on fire but collectively they have the firepower to humble some very good teams.
