By Jim Morton
November 14th 2009 @ 2:53am
Related coverage
Bold Windies see Aussies as beatable
They’ve won just eight of their past 66 Tests and suffered through a bitter contract dispute, but the West Indies still believe they can produce a massive boilover in Australia.
Windies captain Chris Gayle and coach David Williams both talked up the underdogs’ chances in the three-Test series, starting November 26 at the Gabba, after flying into Brisbane late Friday.
While both were tired and weary after missing a connecting flight from the Caribbean, they immediately got on the front foot despite losing their past eight Tests against Australia.
Former wicketkeeper Williams felt Ricky Ponting’s men were vulnerable following Test series losses to India, South Africa and England in the past 13 months.
He stressed the former Calypso Kings, who have fallen to No.8 in the ICC world rankings, could repeat South Africa’s efforts Down Under last summer if they play to their full potential and get on a roll at the pace-friendly Gabba.
“In recent past they (Australia) haven’t played very well at home and particularly in the first match,” Williams said. “So I think that’s an opportunity to capitalise on.
“If we can hit the straps and get them on the back foot early, you never know we could steal that first Test and go on and win the series.”
Gayle, a lead figure in a players strike which led to a second-string squad losing Test and one-day series to Bangladesh, admitted it would be no easy task but saw the hosts as beatable.
“To beat Australia from ball one you have to be on cue,” said the hard-hitting opener. “It’s always an uphill task to go up against the Aussies but, like I said, teams are beatable.”
Gayle’s appointment has been questioned by former skipper Viv Richards but he’s determined to unite his “rebuilding” team, after an acrimonious split between the West Indies board and players union.
“I try and create a good environment; get that unity on track,” he said. “You want the support and each of every player.
“There’s quite a few youngsters in the team as well. We just want to try and gel as a unit and take it from there.”
The Windies will field their likely Test XI in their four-day tour match against Queensland, starting next Wednesday at Allan Border Field.
Former Queensland batsman Brendan Nash will likely slot in after Shiv Chanderpaul at No.6 against his old side, and also fill an important tactical role for the tourists.
Nash, born in Perth to West Indian parents, started playing under Gayle for Jamaica in late 2006 after losing his contract with the Bulls for the second time.
“He’s going to give me some advice,” Gayle said. “The challenge is there but I’m sure he can handle himself. He has done pretty decent so far in Test cricket representing West Indies.”
Like this content? Buzz it up!
Free Email updates:
Our daily emails are only sent if there is content for the sport or that author. You can subscribe to multiple daily emails; or get the daily Roar email with all our content in it. We value privacy. More...
(2)
davido said | November 14th 2009 @ 5:53pm | Report comment
Australia is vulnerable.
Look at the ODI matches against India.
The final scoreline of 4-2 in favour of Australia was a little flattering to the visitors. In the first match, chasing a large target of 292, India fell just 4 runs short. And in the fifth match, chasing a record making target of 350, India fell short by just 3 runs. The score line could so easily have been 4-2 for India!
Phil Coorey said | November 14th 2009 @ 7:30pm | Report comment
Yeah but that is one day cricket – test cricket is a tad different
The Windies have shown they clearly do not care about Test match cricket – they should be allocated a couple of tests up north where Australia plays Bangladesh – this is going to be a joke having to sit and watch these losers as if they care.
This will go down as one fo the worst summers ever – enjoy it.