The West Indies cricket team continues to face significant challenges, with inadequate finances and poor infrastructure in the Caribbean being cited as major contributing factors. Test captain Roston Chase shared his insights following a disappointing defeat against India in their recent series opener in Ahmedabad, where West Indies lost by an innings and 140 runs after posting scores of 162 and 146, failing to take a single Indian wicket in their innings.
Chase did not shy away from discussing the systemic issues affecting cricket in the region, stating, “I think the systems in the Caribbean are a bit poor in terms of training facilities and stuff.” However, he emphasized the importance of player accountability for their own performances.
Highlighting the financial struggles, Chase expressed hope for the future: “Yes, there is obviously a struggle in the Caribbean for finances… 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.”
Moreover, he pointed out the challenging conditions on home pitches that hinder player performance. “The pitches in the Caribbean are not really batsman-friendly. So guys don’t really bat for long periods and score those big scores,” he explained, indicating how these factors have contributed to the team’s underwhelming results. In fact, the West Indies have not surpassed 250 runs in any of their last 15 Test innings, indicating a considerable struggle to build substantial innings.
As they look ahead to the next match, Chase and his team aim to improve their competitiveness and foster a more positive trajectory for West Indies cricket. Despite the hurdles they face, the team’s resilience against formidable opponents suggests a potential for improvement and offers a glimmer of hope for fans eager to see the West Indies regain their former glory.