Cricket West Indies released a statement on Tuesday (July 15) announcing an emergency meeting to review their performance following a debacle against Australia in Jamaica.
West Indies were bowled out for 27, the second lowest team total in the history of Test cricket, during their run-chase in the pink-ball Test against Australia in Jamaica. The defeat capped off a 3-0 drubbing for the hosts, in what was their first assignment under the new leadership group of Roston Chase and Darren Sammy.
Also read: Full list: Every record broken in West Indies’ 27 all out v Australia
Following the loss, the Cricket West Indies president Dr Kishore Shallow released a statement, expressing disappointment and convening an emergency meeting to review their performance.
"Like every West Indian cricket fan, I felt the pain of our recent Test defeat to Australia," the statement read. "The result hurts deeply, not only because of how we lost, but because of what West Indies cricket has always represented to our people: pride, identity, and possibility.
"There will be some sleepless nights ahead for many of us, including the players, who I know feel this loss just as heavily. But while disappointment is natural, we must not allow this moment to define our journey."
Former West Indies legends invited for emergency meeting
Shallow specifically pointed out the need to improve, particularly in the batting department: "We have already seen encouraging signs, particularly with the ball. Our batters are keen, but now must be even more deliberate as they work to improve."
"As an immediate step, I have advised the Chair of the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee to convene an emergency meeting to review the recent test series against Australia, particularly the final match.
"To strengthen the discussions, I have extended invitations to three of our greatest batsmen ever: Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards, and Brian Lara. They will join past greats Dr. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Dr. The Most Honourable Desmond Haynes, Ian Bradshaw, who already serve on the committee."
No West Indies batters averaged more than 21.50 in the three-match series against Australia. Brandon King, who earned a maiden Test call-up, was the highest scorer for the hosts, making 129 runs from six innings. He was also the only West Indies batter to make a 50-plus score in the entire series. On the other hand, the hosts combined to make 14 ducks across the three games.
Former captain Kraigg Brathwaite, meanwhile, only managed 15 runs from the first two Tests before he was dropped for the third. "He hasn't looked good this series, and in a team where you are searching for performances, you get very close to say 'okay, do we give somebody else a chance?'" is how head coach Sammy had judged his returns after the first two games. Kevlon Anderson was handed a debut in Jamaica at Brathwaite's expense, but the youngster failed to make any impact either, scoring three and zero, strangely getting out leaving a full ball targetted at the stumps by Mitchell Starc in the second-innings collapse.
Shallow has said that the emergency meeting is not going to be a token event, but is expected to result in "actionable recommendations".
"This engagement is not ceremonial. These are men who helped define our golden eras, and their perspectives will be invaluable as we shape the next phase of our cricket development. We intend for this gathering to result in tangible, actionable recommendations.
"Consistent with my message over the last weeks, this is a moment that calls for collaboration, not division. We need everyone on board: fans, players, coaches, legends, and administrators, if we are to truly move forward.
"There is much work to be done. But we must do it with purpose, and we must do it together."
West Indies' next Test assignment is a two-Test tour of India in October, followed by a three-match tour of New Zealand in December-January.
