Windies ex-player Davis raps selectors, wants new captain

Port of Spain, Nov 19 (IANS/CMC) Former West Indies Test cricketer Bryan Davis has suggested a change in captaincy of the Caribbean side following their lopsided defeats against India in the just concluded two-Test series.

Davis also criticised the selectors after the team lost both Tests inside three days by an innings.

Darren Sammy, who scored 25 runs over four innings and bowled 21 wicket-less overs in the series, Monday was named as captain of an unchanged Windies squad to play three Tests against New Zealand next month.

"If not now, when? I think it's most certainly apt for a change at this time. You can't just continue on this journey we're going on here with that sort of poor performance. It has to be revisited and they have to have a serious view of it," said Davis.

Davis is the second former West Indies cricketer to suggest a change in captaincy.

Recently, former pacer Michael Holding said Sammy should not be included as a member of the Test side and should only be used for the shorter formats.

Davis also criticised the non-selection of mystery spinner Sunil Narine and pacer Ravi Rampaul, the selection of injured fast bowler Kemar Roach, who did not play and was sent home after the first Test once his shoulder failed to heal in time, and the subsequent call-up of Shannon Gabriel, who has not played the longer version of the game in a while.

Davis described pacer Tino Best as "not up to standard" for Test level.

"It could be captaincy, coaching, and the preparation of the players. I don't know but somebody has to look at it. The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) cannot be absolved because they are accountable. They have to answer serious questions."

Davis is calling on regional territories to demand answers from the WICB and blasted team preparation as poor.

"I don't think the team was well prepared. I have to ask who is responsible for the preparation for that team? When batsmen are making 20s and 30s and can't go on, they're lacking mental preparation, stamina. Who is to blame? The coach must have an input. What did he do?" questioned Davis.

--IANS/CMC

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