10 Hrs Ago

VIDIA RAMPHAL

The West Indies Test team has encountered a troubling year in 2025, suffering six losses out of seven matches, prompting serious concerns about the future of cricket in the region.

The team’s latest defeat—a nine-wicket loss in under three days to New Zealand—has heightened scrutiny over leadership and selection strategies.

According to former T&T cricketer and cricket analyst Andre Lawrence, inconsistent selection and ineffective tactics are hindering the squad’s progress. “This performance record is striking, particularly given the team’s previous form,” he remarked.

Lawrence highlighted that after decent performances against Australia and India, the team is now winless this year, which is alarming. This decline has coincided with Darren Sammy’s tenure as head coach since his appointment on April 1.

Trodden underfoot by a 3-0 sweep from Australia and a 2-0 defeat to India, even the latest series against New Zealand reflected trouble, as the team’s resilience was overshadowed by another loss.

Lawrence criticized the “chaotic” selection policies, stating that it has led to detrimental changes in roles within the team. He also expressed concerns about Sammy’s shift towards a more aggressive playing style, noting that integrating T20 players into the Test setup isn’t yielding the desired results.

Further, Lawrence questioned Sammy’s qualifications as a coach and the decision to grant him extensive control over team selection. “When results are so disappointing,” he stated, “serious questions need to be raised about the coaching direction.” CWI president Dr. Kishore Shallow emphasized he was “not satisfied” with the performance while still supporting Sammy.

Ultimately, with a new ICC Test cycle underway, Lawrence fears for the next generation of players, stressing that immediate actions are required to prevent a slide into more prolonged struggles. “I am very worried about the future; it seems things may become even worse,” he concluded.