West Indies Could Be a Great ODI Side with a Dose of Caution and Concentration

Jason Holder’s run-a-ball fifty keeps West Indies in the chase #AUSvWI | #CWC19 | https://t.co/nX3TvuEgx4 pic.twitter.com/QiAtG8QFPa

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 6, 2019

The men in maroon had a mere 68 to get off 60 balls with five wickets in hand against Australia but somehow ended up losing by 15 runs. Going into the last ten overs with the run rate at a fraction above six an over and wickets in hand is a position of utmost power and really, one that teams should be winning from.

The changing room would have been a lonely place for Andre Russell in particular, after he sparked the collapse with a few very ill-advised strokes. The T20 star can’t put a foot wrong in India whilst competing in the IPL but the World Cup is a very different animal that requires big players to play sensibly in order to be revered. Russell let himself down and ultimately cost his team a memorable victory over a very decent Australian side.

That said, the West Indies look like they may sneak their way into the top four, it’s early days still but there shouldn’t be much for them to fear. Granted, at 9/1 in cricket betting to win the World Cup it looks a stretch to go all the way but semi-final qualification is very much on should they learn from their mistakes against the Aussies.

Andre Russell goes!

He had looked in serious touch, but tries to go big one time too many, and Glenn Maxwell holds onto another brilliant catch running back!

Don’t go anywhere folks. This one’s so tense, Maxi can’t even watch!#CWC19#AUSvWI LIVE 👇 https://t.co/riLpupROEA pic.twitter.com/c0adAT5SoN

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 6, 2019

Part of the problem the Windies have and will need to find a way to tone down is that they are arguably blessed with too many talents. Some of their big-name players would walk into any team at this World Cup if it were based purely on ability. However, the opposition bowlers have by now registered that the Islanders are susceptible to falling into traps and there is a feeling in other camps that they just can’t help themselves when the ball is tossed up or bowled short of a length.

This is where the Windies need so desperately need to apply themselves, in order for them to negotiate the end of an innings safely. With a bit of concentration, they will be extremely hard to eliminate at the 2019 World Cup.