West Indies Captaincy

[CJ D]

I have spoken to a few West Indian friends who are also keen cricket followers, they all agree that the captaincy is bad for Lara, that he is not the greatest leader, and does not have a lot going for him a captain except the ability to lead by example (not in this series obviously). They are however completely divided as to who should be the captain, Sarwan as vice-captain has little experience and was described as "all at sea" when Lara was off the pitch in one of the games, and there are no other realistic candidates. Chanderpaul is apparently quite a good captain of Guyana however I was told that he could never captain the West Indies because (and I quote from my friend) "he speaks like a baby" and therefore would be laughed at in press conferences.

Is this true - could the West Indies be doing themslves out of a competent leader due to off field PR considerations?

Does anybody else have any suggestions as to a replacement for Lara, or are the selectors right to keep faith with him?

[Rachael]

I read somewhere that the obvious successor would be the wicketkeeper who was lined up at the beginning of the tour to replace Ridley Jacobs: I think his name was Carlton Baugh.

Now THAT would really cause a stink!!!

[CJ D]

Isn't Jacobs hotly tipped to retire at the end of this series?

Baugh has already played 3 tests and a few ODI's he is only 21 though and whilst he could be a long term choice to captain - would you throw the job at a 21 year old in the present situation?

[Rachael]

That's what I heard: I've an idea he already captains excellently in domestic cricket - would need to check that though.

Who are the alternatives? Sarwan and Gayle ruled themselves out with the disco thing... Chanderpaul has been dropped... and the two Smiths and Hinds seem unable to nail a place.... which leaves a raw attack with more than enough on their plate already!

[CJ D]

Cricinfo don't have him down as captaining in either of the domestic competitions - Gayle captained Jamaica in their Carib (internationla challenge) cup final loss to Barbados who were captained by Courtney Browne who has kept wicket for the West Indies in the past and is widely respected for his captaincy funnily enough.

[Vinoth]

Well


You can't Except! Every One Has Worse Period Of Days In his Life ( As Captain Lara Now Has) See the WI Cricket Should Make some Good Come Back In their Bowling,We Had Some Great Bowlers In WI Past Whose Combination Had stunned Major Batsmans of World.


They Donot Have Them Now, Remember ( Chasin 120 In the final day of test match against WI, India Were all out For Just 81 Runs) See You can't Expect EveryTime a good performance Or captaincy From A Player.


So As I consider LARA is the Best And He Should Continue as an captain till he retires.

[CJ D]

I think Lara was a stop gap measure after the unpopular (amongst the players) Hooper, he was the only member of the side at that point that could creditably have done the job, however it would surely be better if that pressure was lifted to let him get on with batting.