World Twenty20 team preview: West Indies

Cricket365
March 14, 2014

Like Pakistan, the West Indies could either win the tournament (like they did against all expectations last time out) or fail in the group stages. Consistency is not their strong suit.

Captain: Darren Sammy Coach: Ottis Gibson WT20 Best: Champions, 2012

Overview Like Pakistan, the West Indies could either win the tournament (like they did against all expectations last time out) or fail in the group stages. Consistency is not their strong suit.

Just this year they managed to lose to Ireland, be whitewashed by New Zealand, and then up their game in February to win the series against England. They do have Chris Gayle back, and that seems to be vital to their mental wellbeing.

The defending champions have a number of match-winners to call on, from Gayle to Dwayne Bravo to Marlon Samuels, but they have a habit of firing in one game out of three, and with India and Australia in their group, they'll need more than that.

Key Batsman Opening batsman Chris Gayle was out of action from November to mid-February, first with a hamstring strain and then a hip niggle, but he has made good scores since his return. He tends to find his fire in tournament situations, as the IPL can attest, and there will be pressure on him to stay fit and let rip in Bangladesh.

Key Bowler Spinner Samuel Badree has overtaken Sunil Narine as the attack dog slow bowler, and he has been in cracking form recently, even on tracks without turn. He averages under 17 in the format, and his economy rate is less than six, making him a dangerous and difficult opponent.

Likely Benchwarmer Interestingly, along with spinners Badree and Narine, the Windies also have medium-pacer Krishmar Santokie taking wickets, so it's likely that Sheldon Cottrell will carry the drinks. The paceman has only one Test and no limited-overs games to refer to, and is likely along for the experience and in case of injury.

Cricket365's Prediction Sentimentally, we tipped the Windies in 2012 but failed to put money on it. We won't be remiss this time. A title defence!

They Said: "We are a very good T20 team, with explosive guys at the top and lower order. Chris Gayle back in our team is a boost for us. Our batting has been letting us down recently but in this format, once the guys get going you know how dangerous they are. We have batting that can chase down any score." – wicketkeeper-batsman Denesh Ramdin.

Squad: Darren Sammy, Samuel Badree, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles, Sheldon Cottrell, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Krishmar Santokie, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith.

Fixtures 23 March: v India, Mirpur 25 March: v qualifying team, Mirpur 28 March: v Australia, Mirpur 1 April: v Pakistan, Mirpur