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Insipid performance against the Kiwis

Gayle and Chanderpaul must provide solidity at the top, writes Vivian Richards

The World Cup Super Eight has now reached its second phase with all teams having played at least one game. The West Indies in fact have played two, and sadly for the hosts, lost to both Australia and New Zealand. The result means that their remaining games are virtually must-win affairs.

The first of these is on Sunday, when Brian Lara and his men take on Sri Lanka.

West Indies had started the tournament well, with convincing wins against Pakistan, Zimbabwe and co-qualifiers Ireland. Against Australia they looked a little off-colour, but their team selection, performance and body language against New Zealand was really insipid.

Surprise omission

I was really surprised that the team management did not find place for Jerome Taylor in the team. And if Lara had opted to bowl first, he would have felt the absence of this young pacer keenly. Taylor had a bad outing against Australia, but he is now an integral part of the team. The ensuing rather public difference of opinion between the captain and the chief selector did not help matters either.

Looking ahead, Sri Lanka are a dangerous side, and they have a very varied, high-quality attack. They are a good unit who have a never-say-die attitude. The way they fought till the end in the game against South Africa was really impressive. Their bowlers are in really good form, with both Lasith Malinga as well as Muralitharan turning in match-winning performances.

I have been very impressed with Malinga, who has a unique action and good aggression. There is also Chaminda Vaas in the attack, so it will not be wrong to say that they have the most varied attack in the fray.

However, their batting can be put under pressure with neither Kumar Sangakkara nor Mahela Jayawardene doing well so far. It is essential that West Indies go in with a good attack, so that these guys are put under pressure. For the West Indians, the importance of a good start cannot be underestimated.

They have had early setbacks in every game, which has put them under some pressure. Wickets in hand are vital if you have to do well in the West Indies, and I would like both Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul to really commit themselves to providing their side with some solidity at the top. These guys have been responsible for quite a few wins in the past, and there is no reason why they can't do it once again.

Ominous

The New Zealand team is also looking really ominous. Shane Bond looked unplayable against the hosts on Friday, and if there is any side that can give the Australians a run for their money, it is Stephen Fleming's team. They have two easy outings against Ireland and Bangladesh left, which means that they need just one win against one of the other sides to book a berth in the semifinals.

The sparse crowds in attendance at the games in Antigua have been rather disappointing. The organisers have not helped matters by insisting that spectators have to stay in the venue once they enter. The prices of the tickets are also a little higher and this has kept many locals away.

I hope they come out in greater numbers for Sunday's game, because it is amply clear that Lara and his men need something extra to raise their game. Perhaps a good crowd can do the trick for them.

Gameplan

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