BRIDGETOWN – Former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams says the Caribbean side will struggle to make an impact on next year’s Cricket World Cup but has acknowledged they could spring a few surprises.
The 42-year-old, who led West Indies in 15 of his 40 Tests and 26 of his 127 One-Day Internationals, said while the side was not expected to feature prominently, consistent performances could see them make their mark.
“The West Indies have the capacity to upset teams and play good cricket,” Adams was quoted as saying, while on coaching assignment at G Force Cricket Academy in Dubai this week.
Slim chance
“I’m not too sure we have a group of players who can make a difference when it counts, but if they can string together as a group and make themselves capable of winning eight to nine games – which you have to do to win an international tournament – they certainly stand a chance.
“That said, with any team in a tournament like this you never know the outcome. Sometimes there are teams who have a way of growing through a tournament and if I had one wish for the West Indies it would be that they grow through the tournament to win it.”
He added: “I think that would be their best chance. They are certainly not among the favourites but if they could go and grow through the tournament and surprise quite a few people it would be interesting.”
Languishing at number eight in the ICC one-day rankings, West Indies are not one of the favourites for the February 19 to April 2 tournament which will take place in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
They will contest Group B along with powerhouses India, South Africa, England, Bangladesh, Ireland and Netherlands, in their quest for their first World Cup title in 31 years.
Challenge
Adams, the technical director of the Jamaica Cricket Association, said once the top sides had all their players available, they were likely to be the ones to challenge for honours.
“If everybody is at full strength I think teams like Australia, England, South Africa, India and Sri Lanka can go on to win the title. But with so much cricket being played you don’t know who has a full squad and who doesn’t,” Adams said.
“I do think it’s going to be a very interesting World Cup and once the wickets are conducive for good cricket it should be very entertaining.”
The camp at the G Force Cricket Academy began on December 21 and is set to conclude next Tuesday. (CMC)
