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Cricket World Cup 2019

‘No variation to game plan’ – Lloyd slams Windies

Holder
by Wisden Staff 2 minute read

Former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd is disappointed with the current team’s single-minded approach of trying to bounce batsmen out in the ongoing World Cup, stating that the Jason Holder-led side has failed to fully understand English conditions.

“It would appear that they only have one way to play with no variation to their game plan. They are trying to blast people out and I don’t think they understand the English conditions,” Lloyd wrote for ICC, after West Indies’ seven-wicket loss to Bangladesh.

The West Indies pacers have adopted a strategy of bouncing out opposition batsmen which, Lloyd believes, can’t always work in English conditions, citing the example of the Bangladesh batsmen who seemed well-prepared, as they chased down West Indies’ 321 with more than eight overs to spare.

“I was disappointed with the West Indies performance against Bangladesh. Bangladesh were ready for that sort of onslaught and to chase down 320 with eight overs to spare is a great effort, but it is poor cricket by the West Indies.

“They have themselves to blame if they miss the semi-finals, they should have beaten Australia and they definitely should have seen off Bangladesh as well. But the Bangladesh side did their homework and deserved their victory.”

The Bangladesh side successfully countered West Indies’ one-dimensional strategy

It was their third defeat in four completed games, the only win coming against Pakistan early in the tournament.

While the pace attack of Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, Andre Russell and Jason Holder used the short ball to lethal effect in the match against Pakistan to bundle them for 105, the strategy hasn’t reaped similar benefits since.

“You cannot always do that here because the pitches during this competition have been batsman-friendly despite the rain. It might be green but it doesn’t always fly around.”

A two-time World Cup winning captain, Lloyd stressed on the need for the Holder-led side to focus on winning games, despite their bleak chances of advancing to the top four.

“There is still a mathematical chance that the West Indies can make the semi-finals. And even though it is looking increasingly unlikely, it is absolutely vital that they try and finish the tournament on a high note.”

Lewis

“It was good to see Evin Lewis get a score at last – he is a terrific cricketer”

West Indies’ next assignment is against the second-placed New Zealand side, who are yet to lose a game. Lloyd is banking on openers Shai Hope and Evin Lewis to come good at the top, just like David Warner and Aaron Finch have been raking up big scores for Australia.

“Shai Hope has been playing extremely well for quite a while since he has arrived on the international scene. And it was good to see Evin Lewis get a score at last. I think he is a terrific cricketer.

“If you have been getting out for small scores, and then get to 70, it is imperative that you cash in. Evin should have got to 130 in the same way that guys like David Warner and Aaron Finch have been doing.”

This article was brought to you in partnership with Betfair Exchange. Always gamble responsibly.

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