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ShareSydney: The West Indies cricket team has plenty of talent, but the time has come to put it out of its misery, feels noted cricket columnist Peter Roebuck.
In an article for the Sydney Morning Herald Roebuck argues that as far as the sport is concerned, Caribbean unity is on the wane, and that the islands should seriously consider taking the individual team route to rise once again as cricketing nations of repute.
"West Indies were desperate unlucky to lose Frank Worrell and Malcolm Marshall before they had been able to complete their outstanding stints at the crease. Ian Bishop and Michael Holding continue to fight the cause. Among the older players, Shivnarine Chanderpaul is a corker, Darren Ganga is a leader and Denesh Ramdin has much to offer. Latterly, too, Brian Lara has rallied. Doubtless there are others besides, but once the culture has been degraded, it is the devil's own work to turn things around. Sometimes it is better to move on," Roebuck says.
"The West Indies ought to be disbanded as a cricketing force. Followers of the game with memories of mighty deeds and fine gentlemen might regret the break-up, but the culture has been ruined and every attempt to improve it, thwarted. All the more reason to stop the charade," he adds.
Instead, let Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica and the Leeward and Windward islands fend for themselves. In that case, their cricket might be informed by the commitment to the cause for too long missing from West Indian cricket.
"Cricket has tried to pursue a noble ideal, tried to assist in the creation of a West Indian identity. But it has not worked. Cracks have emerged, and in times of trouble they have widened. The time has come to recognise that, as far as cricket and politics are concerned, West Indies have passed the point of no return," Roebuck says.
West Indies cricket has declined because players and officials have not taken care of it. Higher importance has been given to personal and national interests. All and sundry talk about renewing the legacy in the West Indies but it's merely a mantra. Actions speak louder than words. No heed is taken of the inheritance. Cricket needs to recognise the fact and turn it to advantage by dismantling a tired team and creating five aspirants, he concludes.
