“It showed that the selectors made an error” – Joseph Pereira opens up about West Indies men’s Test squad against South Africa

A few days ago, The Cricket West Indies (CWI) named the West Indies men’s squad for the two-Test series against South Africa. Accordingly, CWI men’s selection committee has named two rookies Alick Athanaze and Akeem Jordan in the 15-man squad.

Commenting on the squad named for the tour of South Africa, veteran regional cricket analyst and commentator Joseph Pereira said he agreed with the selection of Athanaze but was surprised by the selection of Jordan.

“I am very happy for Athanaze. He has been showing not only promise, but back at the Under-19 World Cup…he would have scored the most runs. He has made runs in the 50-overs, he made runs in the Four-Day, and if they want to blood a new batsman for the future, there is a couple of questions in the middle order; nobody turning out to be anyone of outstanding ability.”

The veteran commentator had this to say about Jordan,

“My first thought regarding Jordan was ‘a little bit surprised’. He is 28 years old, and bowls just a little bit of medium pace.”

“I thought of Jair McCallister, the 22-year-old, 6’3” Bajan fast-bowler. He was good on pace but short of experience. Although pace is needed in South Africa, I thought of two left-arm medium-fast: Preston McSween and Colin Archibald. It would make good balance for the West Indies side if they have a left-arm over, and I would have gone for Mc Sween.”

Further commenting, Pereira explained that it is possible to use someone like Brandon King as a future investment. He further explained,

“It showed that the selectors made an error. Instead of taking Jomel Warrican to Zimbabwe, I would have carried a left-arm seamer to add variety.”

“I would not have taken Bonner, I would have gone for someone like Brandon King, someone you can use for the future. Both Motie and Warrican was not needed in Zimbabwe, and ironically, both Bonner and Warrican did not bowl a ball or bat in Zimbabwe.”

Also, after the West Indies team exit from the preliminary round of the 2022 Twenty20 World Cup, the head coach Phil Simmons resigned and after that the white ball captain Nicholas Pooran resigned from the leadership.

Last Wednesday, Cricket West Indies announced Rovman Powell and Shai Hope as the T20 and ODI captains for the vacant captaincy. ‘Reds’ believe it was a good move by CWI.

“A very good move by Cricket West Indies by splitting the captains. It certainly did not work in the case (of) appointing Pooran, who had little experience as a player. That was a huge error, and it backfired a great deal.”

“Some time ago, I was on record saying that Pooran and Hope should be captain. Powell has the background of leading for Jamaica, and Hope was vice-captain for over a year, so I am very happy.”

Also, there are various leagues spread all over the world and these leagues are played in almost every month of the calendar. However, the veteran commentator believes that by naming Hope and Powell, it will give them long playing careers in their playing careers.

“It also means that those players become West Indian players, and they are not lost in the franchise. That would give their playing life longer playing careers. We hope to see that rebuilding process under Powell and Hope.” (All information: via Cricnation 592 website.)

1 thought on ““It showed that the selectors made an error” – Joseph Pereira opens up about West Indies men’s Test squad against South Africa”

  1. West Indies women should Learn to go over the top with surety and vigor when batting in 20 overs matches to make more runs to compete with opponents or else they cannot win a lot of matches They need to step up When going u must go hard to clear in fielders Results will be different They allow too many dot balls. Try this method and will get good results

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