Cricket Windies ‘soul-searching’

Contrasting vibes for Black Caps and West Indies as Kiwis look forward to facing Pakistan,

Vitality contrasted against lethargy at Bay Oval as New Zealand completed a 7-0 trouncing of the West Indies across the three formats of their series.

The New Zealanders celebrated their record 119-run T20 victory by signing autographs and embracing the camaraderie that came with returning to No 1 in the format’s rankings.

They now turn their attention to the summer’s next task — beating Champions Trophy winners Pakistan — before the arrival of Australia and a potentially understrength England.

In contrast, the West Indies trudged to their dressing room, burdened by the prospect of a multilegged return flight to the Caribbean after a sequence of lacklustre performances.

They might be a developing side, but few will tolerate that excuse if they miss qualifying for the 2019 World Cup in Zimbabwe during March. The hosts, Afghanistan, Ireland and others are expected to give them a thorough examination.

Coach Stuart Law acknowledged their flaccid showing.

“It was a pretty disappointing tour. New Zealand played good, disciplined cricket, but we fell short.

“We need to do a lot of hard work, planning and understanding. That means some soul-searching by looking in the mirror and asking if we gave it everything to change a game, get into a game and win a game. It’s not just going to happen.”

Law said that was made worse by the unavailability of several players who helped the West Indies win the World T20 in 2016.

“They know this format inside out. It’s difficult trying to organise players when they pull out at the last minute. It’s almost impossible trying to sort visas and flights from the Caribbean in 24 hours.