Lloyd is extremely pleased to see the West Indies back on the rise again
West Indies batting legend Clive Lloyd has announced that after watching the national team win the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20, there is no reason why they cannot go on to become the top ranked ODI team.
Lloyd stated that it was time the West Indies started to up their game to the “next level” and also look to improve their ranking in Test cricket as well.
Speaking exclusively to the aily News and Analysis, Lloyd said: “The win suggests that we can be a good ODI outfit. This is the start, the impetus that we needed to excel in the longer version.”
Lloyd himself captained the West Indies to back-to-back World Cup wins in 1975 and 1979, and explained that the current team had a full array of flamboyant batsmen and bowlers, who have the potential of making the West Indies a true contender in the longer format as well.
“Out of the 15 big hitters in the world, six belong to our team. They are all phenomenal strikers, it gives them impetus on the field. They know they can go out there and dominate. That’s what they must do in the longer version too. Apart from Chris Gayle, we have [Marlon] Samuels who’s growing in confidence in both Tests and ODIs. We have a couple of good spinners and decent fast bowlers, basically an attack that can dislodge any opponent. We’re close to being quite a balanced side,” Lloyd said.
However, Lloyd also noted that the West Indies had to choose their players carefully in each format of the game from now on.
“Someone like Kieron Pollard can do the kind of job Andrew Symonds did for Australia. Pollard is explosive and can be a handful down the order. We have enough bowlers to choose from – both pace and spin,” Lloyd said.
Lloyd also stated that the West Indies had found good spinners in Sunil Narine and Samuel Badree, and should keep using them in order for them to become more and more experienced.
“At least we have two spinners who are able to confuse the batters, In the longer format, we’ll know how good they are. In the one-day game, I don’t think too many people will attack them and be successful,” Lloyd added.
The World Twenty20 win was the first major trophy the West Indies had won since winning the Champions Trophy in 2004, but, according to Lloyd, the current squad is much stronger compared to the one in 2004.
“They are gelling together. They seem to be quite happy when they go out there. Nothing seems to faze them. And they’re showing purpose. You have got to give credit to the captain,” Lloyd.
Lloyd also mentioned that he was glad to see Chris Gayle back in the side after a long time, and added that he was a “decent fellow” to work with.
“Chris just wanted to be back. He looks a really happy soul. Once he is happy, I’m happy. He creates that force and sort of generates the warmth needed for team spirit. I don’t think he’s giving the establishment any problems. They had one little spat,” Lloyd said.