Windies’ Bangladesh defeats shameful – Williams
FORMER TRINIDAD and Tobago and West Indies wicketkeeper David Williams, has described as a shame, the recent performance by the West Indies team in Bangladesh.
West Indies lost both Test matches in three days.
They suffered a 64-run defeat in Chittagong in the first Test, while the hosts scored a record innings and 84-run victory in the second Test in Dhaka.
West Indies also lost both Tests to India last month in three days.
“It is difficult to beat India in India. We didn’t play as well as we could play. Bangladesh at home is always a tough team. The margin of their victories is out of this world,” Williams said.
“How could a Bangladesh team make 508 runs and bowl us out for 113, then bowl us out again for 213 on the same pitch? There is always pressure when you’re facing 500, but to make 113 is ridiculous.
“It’s really a shame to be honest as to how the guys are playing. They’re trying, but we have to do better, especially against the lower-ranked teams. We need to make sure that we win these matches. Bangladesh would continue to go past us,” the technical director of the TT Cricket Board continued.
Bangladesh are currently ninth in the ICC Test rankings, one spot below the West Indies.
Looking ahead to the four-day championship, which begins this weekend, Williams also gave a critical assessment of the struggling top-order trio of Kraigg Brathwaite, Kieran Powell and Shai Hope.
“The selectors are doing their jobs. You need to have your [batsmen] getting decent scores. That’s not happening. We’re losing wickets at regular intervals and that’s the problem that we’re having.”
He added that the top order continues to struggle and the team is always under a lot of pressure.
HEARTBREAKING
“It’s heartbreaking to see how the guys perform. We know they can play much better than that. It’s sad,” he said.
Brathwaite made a combined total of 48 runs in his last eight innings. Williams suggested that the opening batsman may have to use the West Indies Championship to regain lost form.
“You always say ‘back to the drawing board’ and that means you’ll come to the regional tournament and try to reestablish yourself, and get some confidence,” Williams said.
“The Brathwaite we know is a very stubborn player [and] knows how to bat very long. He’s well-suited for the five-day game. It’s unfortunate the way he’s getting out.”