Windies should revive glory days

Carlos Brathwaite’s four stunning sixes in the final over provided a fitting finale to the Indian summer and West Indies went home with the ICC World T20 trophy, which hopefully will stoke the fire in Caribbeans to bring back the glory days of Test cricket. Darren Sammy’s Calypso Kings almost didn’t make it to the sixth edition of the shortest format of the game. Their participation was in jeopardy following a pay dispute between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the players. Ergo, Sammy minced no words from the presentation podium to hit out at the WICB officials for their apathy towards players.

The West Indian brand of cricket is a joy to watch for any fan in any corner of the world. It was evident when nearly 50,000 spectators cheered them at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata

Earlier, the West Indian women’s team defeated three-time ICC WT20 champions Australia at the same venue. Two titles in a day made it three in last 50 days for the West Indians. The Under-19 team’s World Cup triumph on February 14 started the winning streak and will hopefully inspire a resurgence of the game in the Caribbean. The West Indian players were understandably bitter even after winning the close final against England. They have had the rough end of the stick from their board. Former players, commentators and columnists have questioned their commitment to the West Indian cricket. However, Marlon Samuel’s obnoxious behaviour at the post match media briefing cannot be condoned. They say success breeds success. Hopefully West Indies will bring back the glory days of Clive Lloyd and Vivian Richards.