WI v ENG 2019: Consistent selection of players has helped West Indies massively, says Ian Bishop

Hosts currently lead the three-match Test series 2-0.

Young Alzarri Joseph is constantly evolving | Getty

Former pacer Ian Bishop has credited persistence and patience shown by selectors for the group of young cricketers that Jason Holder has up his sleeves behind West Indies' resurgence at the highest level. 

"Since Jason took over the leadership, 27 players have played for the team. It indicates that the selection panel has believed in a set strategy and adhered to that by showing a certain amount of trust and consistency in the selections," he wrote for ESPNcricinfo

"They all came through the same system together – from youth cricket, through the academy or the High-Performance Centre. And they all had their ups and downs. But the selectors have shown some trust and some faith to keep them together."

The likes of Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase and Shai Hope, Shane Dowrich and even Alzarri Joseph have really evolved under the current set-up, as Bishop pointed out. 

"There have been a few struggles along the way, but we are starting to see the benefits of those selections in bringing these youngsters into the Test set-up," he added, "I believe that they will succeed in all formats as they gain experience. Of course, victories like these will only make them much stronger, evolve better."

Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph and Holder himself coming together has been a massive game-changer for the hosts, who currently have an unassailable lead in the three-match Test series. 

Their height has enabled them to generate more sideways movement than opponent bowlers but that isn't the only reason of their success. 

"But what people are overlooking is that these same bowlers – Roach, Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph and Jason – have played against England several times in the past with limited outcomes," Bish asserted, "But given the Windies have won the series this time round, extra focus has been on their height advantage."

"These bowlers haven’t grown any more in height, to my knowledge, since those previous encounters – not least Roach, who cannot in any way be considered a tall man, rather a fast bowler of average height at best." 

"What has happened is that these bowlers have upped their skill levels. As a group, they are far more developed than they were a couple of years ago." 

Famous commentator finally talked about the inspiring leadership that the Caribbean players have had the fortune of experiencing under Jason Holder. 

"I had the great opportunity to speak to Jason after the second Test in Antigua," Bish noted, "He spoke passionately about the importance of gleaning information from former greats like Desmond Haynes and Brian Lara and a couple of other prominent names. Jason is tall in stature, but he is such a level-headed guy."

"During the 2018 CPL, I recall former Australia player Mel Jones asking Jason whether he believes in fighting 'fire with fire' to motivate his players. Jason calmly responded: 'No, I fight fire with water'. That sums up Jason’s man-management skills, which are quite impressive. Tactically Jason is still developing and will only get better," he concluded. 

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 10 Feb, 2019

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