NZ could face revitalised Windies
A thawing in a long- running standoff between West Indies cricket officials and leading players could have a positive outcome for New Zealand fans next summer.
The West Indies are due to tour before Christmas, most likely for two tests and a series of limitedovers internationals.
The once- mighty Windies have long been a shadow of the giants who dominated the game in the 1980s, but if the truce holds good, top- class players, including bighitting opener Chris Gayle, allrounders Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard, classy finger spinner Sunil Narine and batsman Darren Bravo could bolster the team for the limited- overs leg of the tour.
One reason for the improvement in relations between the West Indies board and their players’ association is that they are on course to miss qualifying for the 2019 World Cup, which would have been unthinkable a few years ago. discomfort. Congdon moved into line to play it perfectly and he went on to contribute 176 towards New Zealand’s gallant 440.” In the following drawn test at Lord’s, he made 175 as part of New Zealand’s 551 for nine.
The book’s release also brought levity amid emotional scenes.
NZCPA patron and former test cricketer Barry Sinclair spoke about rooming with “Congo” on the 1965
The competition has been trimmed to 10 teams, comprising the eight top- ranked countries and two qualifiers.
The West Indies are ninth. On September 30, the top eight will automatically win spots. The West Indies are desperate to be there.
They will have competition from Ireland, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Scotland for one of those last two spots. Next Year’s qualifying tournament is likely to be in either the United Arab Emirates, Zimbabwe or a joint operation by Ireland and Scotland.
The West Indies are heading to England shortly. After that, there is the trip to New Zealand. If the authorities are to get a solid team together, time is running short.
“We may only have eight ODIs against England and New Zealand in the next six months to prepare,” Cricket West Indies chief executive Johnny Grave said. “It is crucial we can have our best- performing Windies players available for tour of India when they had to “clear the birds” out of what he described as a “minus five- star” Madras hotel room. Daughter Sandy chuckled about the “Congdon death stare” which could dissuade her of whatever mischief she plotted as a child. Congdon continues to attend grandchildren’s sports matches every weekend.
Francis uncovered a radio interview in which Congdon espoused his
The West Indies board had insisted players had to be available for their domestic 50- over tournament to be eligible for selection. Some of their best players preferred the lucrative global T20 circuit instead. Lefthand batsman Bravo has been at loggerheads with controversial CWI boss Dave Cameron after Bravo called him “a big idiot” in a tweet over a contract dispute. Cameron didn’t take it kindly.
Gayle’s last ODI was against New Zealand at Wellington in the World Cup in 2015, when he slammed 61 in 33 balls, after Martin Guptill had smeared his stunning 237 not out, but he played a one- off T20 against India last week. He believes “things have been steadily improving” between the board and players.
Never one to play himself down, Gayle added that “the fans were happy to see me back on the field representing the West Indies. I definitely want to play the 2019 World Cup,” the 38- year- old opener said. views on playing test cricket.
“The higher the grade, the harder the game, the easier it is to concentrate. One of the dangers of coming into test cricket is to be overwhelmed by the names and records of the opposition or the company of your teammates. That’s not a good thing. You’re there because you’re good and therefore you can realise your potential.”
Congdon realised his.