Commentary

What a disappointment

THE PERFORMANCE OF the West Indies in the First One Day International against South Africa on Sunday when they were bowled out for 54 is nothing short of disappointing.

While this disgraceful total was expected by some, it was sad given the fact that more was expected from the team that showed at intervals that it was able to climb out of its current slump.

But still, to naysayers it speaks to the ability of our players to go one level lower whenever they seem to be turning the corner to get back on winning terms.

No pragmatic person expected the West Indies to whitewash South Africa in their backyard. And, many a doubting Thomas expected us to suffer our second consecutive white wash in that country. However, for those of us who are true cricket fans, we expected the team to give of their best.

If giving of their best meant a series defeat then at least we could take heart from it.

However, being bowled out for 54 on a day when the opposition made 263 for four cannot be called anything else but poor.

While we cannot compare West Indies to South Africa in the bowling department, we have the batsmen to offer a challenge. However, after being bowled out for the sixth lowest score in the history of one day cricket, we have to wonder can the West Indies go any lower?

But based on the recent history of West Indian batting and bowling performances, one cannot help but expect that the team will probably outdo their present low standard.

In the meantime the only thing one can hope for is that the team will put up a better showing in the rest of the series and hopefully they will win at least one of the remaining four matches.