No Gayle, Again, in WI Test Squad to India

The West Indies declared their test squad to play a 3 test series in India.
Chris Gayle is still missing from the squad, as the on going dispute between him and the WICB continues to be unresolved.
Darren Sammy continues to find a place in the side as captain.
From the squad that played a 2 match series in Bangladesh, opener Lendl Simmonds has been left out. Adrian Barath comes back after regaining fitness. Besides Barath, openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Kieren Powell are in the squad.
Devendra Bishoo and Shane Shillingford are in charge of the spin department with some backup from Marlon Samuels.
The middle order is somewhat stable with Shiv Chanderpaul, Samuels, Kirk Edwards and the younger Bravo, who's brother Dwayne, like Gayle continues to miss out due to non-cricketing reasons.
Carlton Baugh remains the man in charge of the gloves, but Denesh Ramdin's presence should keep him under some pressure.
The pace unit comprising Ravi Rampaul, Fidel Edwards, and Kemar Roach completes the squad.
Your thoughts?

good selection, going to be tough

Good. I wouldn't ever want him near the side again (as I have stated and explained many times).

Mike Selig wrote:Good. I wouldn't ever want him near the side again (as I have stated and explained many times).

And we have agreed to disagree on that!.

The WICB's reasons for keeping him out are obnoxious, to say the least.

Indeed. If I had my way I'd disband the WICB entirely and make cricket more of a priority rather than commercial interests etc.

Kemar Roach was a shadow of his former self when he played against Bangladesh this week. Seems he has lost his confidence, as he has to fight for one of the 2 available pace bowling places, as the 3rd one is reserved for the captain extraordinary.
He's not a deadweight by any means, at least with the ball, but I don't think he's good enough to be 1 of the 4 best bowlers in the WI. To call him an all-rounder, well, it is a sad joke.
Good bowlers, other than Roach/Rampaul, such as Jerome Taylor, are missing out, and there is no cricketing logic to the same as well.
If West Indies have to invest in a quality all-rounder, I think then it has to be Andre Russell, who has got great potential with both bat and ball!.

totally agree with you msp.Exactly my thoughts.

If they dont want Gayle,then surely there must be better option than Sammy for captaincy.
Samuels anyone?
He is more experienced than Sammy and is more worthy of his place in the side than Sammy.But I doubt he will ever be considered for the captaincy as he is a good friend of Gayle.

TBH I look at the current West Indies side and I don't see anyone who would make a good captain. Samuels doesn't look like captaincy material to me at all.

Mad for Chelsea wrote:TBH I look at the current West Indies side and I don't see anyone who would make a good captain. Samuels doesn't look like captaincy material to me at all.

Agreed but Sammy is hardly a great captain.Samuels at least deserves his place in the side something which cant be said about Sammy(in Tests and ODIs).

I would argue that Sammy's test record is far superior to Samuels, but yeah, given WI's weakness in the batting Samuels's place is probably more guaranteed than Sammy's at the moment. But if you're only going by those two criteria, the captain should be Chanderpaul, and that didn't work (Chanderpaul is a "selfish" player like Trott - in the sense that his only focus is on batting and scoring runs, and I don't think these players make good captains). The other option could be Ramdim I guess.

Note: the word "selfish" is not a criticism, but I couldn't find a better word to express what I thought, hence the "..."

Given Shiv's age I dont think he should even be considered tbh.

When India select their squads do that never take form into account? Someone like R Jadeja is in the form of his life and is ignored, yet a flat track bully like Yuvraj has more lives than a cat?

India's problem is they don't plan for the future, their next tour is to Australia, and last time Yuvraj toured there, he was humiliated.

Also someone like Rohit Sharma, who's first class record is pretty impressive, can't get into the squad yet an aging Laxman is still selected. Laxman showed in England that he was passed it. Factor in his lack of fielding ability.

That's slightly unfair, Laxman was undone by world class swing bowling in England. Agree with your point on Yuvraj, though.

Fists of Fury wrote:That's slightly unfair, Laxman was undone by world class swing bowling in England. Agree with your point on Yuvraj, though.

Whilst the bowling was very good, Laxman did well against South Africa last winter(SA winter) Steyn and Morkel where on fire as well. I think that time has caught up with Laxman, even against the West Indies in the Caribbean, he looked a step slower.

Demon Racer wrote:When India select their squads do that never take form into account? Someone like R Jadeja is in the form of his life and is ignored, yet a flat track bully like Yuvraj has more lives than a cat?

India's problem is they don't plan for the future, their next tour is to Australia, and last time Yuvraj toured there, he was humiliated.

Also someone like Rohit Sharma, who's first class record is pretty impressive, can't get into the squad yet an aging Laxman is still selected. Laxman showed in England that he was passed it. Factor in his lack of fielding ability.

Jadeja lost out to Pragyan Ojha and Rahul Sharma, specialist spinners, and not to Yuvraj. Jadeja's recent ODI form was good, and he's an all-rounder, but he has to do well in the upcoming Ranji trophy to strongly remain in the selector's minds.
Yuvraj seemed to have turned a corner through his terrific WC performance, and I think he's in the last chance saloon.
Rohit Sharma has had attitude prolems in the past, and he doesn't have the level of consistency of a Pujara, Rahane, Kohli, or a Badrinath.
VVS may have had a poor series in England by his standards, but over the last 2 years, he has always delivered in crisis situations, and the pampered boys of Indian cricket will have to go some fair ways before they come close to him. And he was never India's answer to Jonty Rhodes, but he is a fine slip fielder.

msp83 wrote:

Demon Racer wrote:When India select their squads do that never take form into account? Someone like R Jadeja is in the form of his life and is ignored, yet a flat track bully like Yuvraj has more lives than a cat?

India's problem is they don't plan for the future, their next tour is to Australia, and last time Yuvraj toured there, he was humiliated.

Also someone like Rohit Sharma, who's first class record is pretty impressive, can't get into the squad yet an aging Laxman is still selected. Laxman showed in England that he was passed it. Factor in his lack of fielding ability.

Jadeja lost out to Pragyan Ojha and Rahul Sharma, specialist spinners, and not to Yuvraj. Jadeja's recent ODI form was good, and he's an all-rounder, but he has to do well in the upcoming Ranji trophy to strongly remain in the selector's minds.
Yuvraj seemed to have turned a corner through his terrific WC performance, and I think he's in the last chance saloon.
Rohit Sharma has had attitude prolems in the past, and he doesn't have the level of consistency of a Pujara, Rahane, Kohli, or a Badrinath.
VVS may have had a poor series in England by his standards, but over the last 2 years, he has always delivered in crisis situations, and the pampered boys of Indian cricket will have to go some fair ways before they come close to him. And he was never India's answer to Jonty Rhodes, but he is a fine slip fielder.

Well if R Jadeja lost out to Ojha and Rahul Sharma, he must be devestated. Rahul Sharma has played only 10 first class matches. Another one of these T20 players than India seem to believe can be Test superstars. Jadeja showed in the ODI series that his game has developed vastly, he probably as good as Ojha with the ball, plus he bats and fields.

Yuvraj's 'brilliant' world cup was again on flat roads. His terrible Test record showed that he's not skilled enough for the longer format. If there's any swing, seam, spin or bounce, he's clueless. All of his Test hundreds have come in Asia, any more proof needed that he's a flat track bully?

Whether Rohit Sharma ha 'attitude' problems, someone who averages 60+ in first class cricket(including a 300) must seriously gifted. Pujara, Kohli and Badrinath have all played Test cricket and have done nothing to set the world alight.

sadly i dont think gayle will ever play for the west indies again. I cant see this dispute being resolved which is sad for west indies, and sad for international cricket

Two points:
1)Captain Samuels......bits and pieces not worthy of a test palce...is stopping the place of a desrving Russell or Dwyane Bravo in the side.

2) Chris Gayle's treatment by WICB is on a larger scale treatment of Pietersen by England

Demon Racer wrote:

msp83 wrote:

Demon Racer wrote:When India select their squads do that never take form into account? Someone like R Jadeja is in the form of his life and is ignored, yet a flat track bully like Yuvraj has more lives than a cat?

India's problem is they don't plan for the future, their next tour is to Australia, and last time Yuvraj toured there, he was humiliated.

Also someone like Rohit Sharma, who's first class record is pretty impressive, can't get into the squad yet an aging Laxman is still selected. Laxman showed in England that he was passed it. Factor in his lack of fielding ability.

Jadeja lost out to Pragyan Ojha and Rahul Sharma, specialist spinners, and not to Yuvraj. Jadeja's recent ODI form was good, and he's an all-rounder, but he has to do well in the upcoming Ranji trophy to strongly remain in the selector's minds.
Yuvraj seemed to have turned a corner through his terrific WC performance, and I think he's in the last chance saloon.
Rohit Sharma has had attitude prolems in the past, and he doesn't have the level of consistency of a Pujara, Rahane, Kohli, or a Badrinath.
VVS may have had a poor series in England by his standards, but over the last 2 years, he has always delivered in crisis situations, and the pampered boys of Indian cricket will have to go some fair ways before they come close to him. And he was never India's answer to Jonty Rhodes, but he is a fine slip fielder.

Well if R Jadeja lost out to Ojha and Rahul Sharma, he must be devestated. Rahul Sharma has played only 10 first class matches. Another one of these T20 players than India seem to believe can be Test superstars. Jadeja showed in the ODI series that his game has developed vastly, he probably as good as Ojha with the ball, plus he bats and fields.

Yuvraj's 'brilliant' world cup was again on flat roads. His terrible Test record showed that he's not skilled enough for the longer format. If there's any swing, seam, spin or bounce, he's clueless. All of his Test hundreds have come in Asia, any more proof needed that he's a flat track bully?

Whether Rohit Sharma ha 'attitude' problems, someone who averages 60+ in first class cricket(including a 300) must seriously gifted. Pujara, Kohli and Badrinath have all played Test cricket and have done nothing to set the world alight.

As I already said, Jadeja at the moment, is a better bowler than Rahul Sharma, who doesn't even command a consistent place in the Punjab side. But between Ojha and Jadeja, its the former who has a better FC record, and he did well in the Irani trophy and county cricket in recent times. May be they didn't want to left-armers in the squad, hence Sharma's selection ahead of Jadeja.
Jadeja has just scored a fine triple hundred for Saurashtra in their opening Ranji match. a good show with the ball, should certainly make a real impact for him with regard to that national test call up, which I personally felt he deserved after his fine showing with the ball in the England ODI series.
Pujara had a good start to his test career, he played a fine knock against Australia in the 4th innings to help pull off a fine win. Then he unfortunatly got injured. Kohli did struggle in his debut test series, but its not yet time to judge him just on the basis of that only, as he has done well in ODI cricket in different conditions. On Badrinath, I think he found himself outclassed at the highest level, and being a late starter in international cricket, he might not get a lot more opportunities.
Rohit Sharma has had issues with the short stuff, and his ODI record is at best mediocre.
Yuvraj's first test hundred was on a spicy track against Pakistan. Of course he has had issues against quality pace and spin, but I think he deserve one last opportunity to make it at test level.

msp83 wrote:

Demon Racer wrote:

msp83 wrote:

Demon Racer wrote:When India select their squads do that never take form into account? Someone like R Jadeja is in the form of his life and is ignored, yet a flat track bully like Yuvraj has more lives than a cat?

India's problem is they don't plan for the future, their next tour is to Australia, and last time Yuvraj toured there, he was humiliated.

Also someone like Rohit Sharma, who's first class record is pretty impressive, can't get into the squad yet an aging Laxman is still selected. Laxman showed in England that he was passed it. Factor in his lack of fielding ability.

Jadeja lost out to Pragyan Ojha and Rahul Sharma, specialist spinners, and not to Yuvraj. Jadeja's recent ODI form was good, and he's an all-rounder, but he has to do well in the upcoming Ranji trophy to strongly remain in the selector's minds.
Yuvraj seemed to have turned a corner through his terrific WC performance, and I think he's in the last chance saloon.
Rohit Sharma has had attitude prolems in the past, and he doesn't have the level of consistency of a Pujara, Rahane, Kohli, or a Badrinath.
VVS may have had a poor series in England by his standards, but over the last 2 years, he has always delivered in crisis situations, and the pampered boys of Indian cricket will have to go some fair ways before they come close to him. And he was never India's answer to Jonty Rhodes, but he is a fine slip fielder.

Well if R Jadeja lost out to Ojha and Rahul Sharma, he must be devestated. Rahul Sharma has played only 10 first class matches. Another one of these T20 players than India seem to believe can be Test superstars. Jadeja showed in the ODI series that his game has developed vastly, he probably as good as Ojha with the ball, plus he bats and fields.

Yuvraj's 'brilliant' world cup was again on flat roads. His terrible Test record showed that he's not skilled enough for the longer format. If there's any swing, seam, spin or bounce, he's clueless. All of his Test hundreds have come in Asia, any more proof needed that he's a flat track bully?

Whether Rohit Sharma ha 'attitude' problems, someone who averages 60+ in first class cricket(including a 300) must seriously gifted. Pujara, Kohli and Badrinath have all played Test cricket and have done nothing to set the world alight.

As I already said, Jadeja at the moment, is a better bowler than Rahul Sharma, who doesn't even command a consistent place in the Punjab side. But between Ojha and Jadeja, its the former who has a better FC record, and he did well in the Irani trophy and county cricket in recent times. May be they didn't want to left-armers in the squad, hence Sharma's selection ahead of Jadeja.
Jadeja has just scored a fine triple hundred for Saurashtra in their opening Ranji match. a good show with the ball, should certainly make a real impact for him with regard to that national test call up, which I personally felt he deserved after his fine showing with the ball in the England ODI series.
Pujara had a good start to his test career, he played a fine knock against Australia in the 4th innings to help pull off a fine win. Then he unfortunatly got injured. Kohli did struggle in his debut test series, but its not yet time to judge him just on the basis of that only, as he has done well in ODI cricket in different conditions. On Badrinath, I think he found himself outclassed at the highest level, and being a late starter in international cricket, he might not get a lot more opportunities.
Rohit Sharma has had issues with the short stuff, and his ODI record is at best mediocre.
Yuvraj's first test hundred was on a spicy track against Pakistan. Of course he has had issues against quality pace and spin, but I think he deserve one last opportunity to make it at test level.

With regards to Ojha vs Jadeja, Ojha has played 10 Tests and made no real impression. Whilst Ojha maybe slightly better than Jadeja, Jadeja in the recent ODI series looked top class. Plus as you mentioned he scored a 300 today, India could experiment with playing 5 bowlers if he batted at 7. They may need the extra bwoling in Australia.

I'll all ways have time for Rohit Sharma. India's victory in the 2007 ICC WT20 was mainly down to him, he played some excellent knocks, most of all against South Africa, where he scored a brilliant 50(made me cry as we lost!!!), but he temperament and shot selection was fantastic.

Kohli vs Rohit, Fidel tormented Kohli in the Caribbean, on flat pitches. Kohli didn't seem to know how to deal with the short ball. For me Sharma is the greater talent and should be in front of Kohli.

Yuvraj may have played the odd decent Test innings, but after 35 Tests an average of 35 proves he's can't handle the pressure.

Don't think Rohit is the greater tallent vs Kohli. Rohit has the shots, but his temprament is suspect. He seems to relish T-20s, and the same class is not often on show when he plays ODIs or other matches. After his initial success, peope tested him with short bowling, and he had no answers either in ODIs, or even in his favorit T-20s.
While Kohli took every chance that he got a frinch player in the ODI setup, and worked his way to a consistent place in the side, and earned his test call up.
Jadeja has scored his triple on a road, but scoring 300 means scoring 300, and if he can do a good job on this flat road with the ball, he should make it to the test side right away. That would give India a lot more flexibility with the bowling unit in test matches as well.
At least he'll be an all-rounder worth calling so, unlike some others who's additional skil is in saying yes to the right people!.

for the sake of windies cricket, Gayle and the board need to resolve this dispute and quickly. The bowling is improving, but the batting always seems to collaspe, Gayle has the experinece and he has scored a lot of international runs

If you have a player, such as Gayle, who say's publicly that he prefers to play the shorter formats of the game and that he hopes Test cricket dies out, how on earth would you want him as part of your team. I know, even with his statements it does not mean that he would not give his all for the test team, but you have to ask yourself is he up to the physical and mental demands of Test cricket. My guess, is not anymore!

he is up to the demands, its just that the WICB are so stubborn, they know that the side needs him, even if its just in ODI CRICKET, but they wont do anything about it.

What is Chris Gayle's highest score in test cricket, its 333. When did he score it? In the last test series he was allowed to play, against Sri Lanka in their backyard.
Every Tom, Sammy and Hunt can't just do that.

For all the Gayle bashers.
You may question his attitude, but here is something for you to think about.
Gayle averages over 58, and scored over 1500 test runs in cluding 6 hundreds against top sides in the last 2 years.
So much for his bad attitude to test cricket!.