West Indies avoid innings defeat but go down embarrassingly against CA XI

West Indies at the moment are searching for both form and inspiration.

The problems with West Indies Cricket are only getting grimmer. The tussle between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the Players’ Association has had a considerable impact on the team as well.

Their only Test victory in 10 Tests in the past year has been the one against England at Bridgetown in May, and the tour game against Cricket Australia XI (CA XI) didn’t help at all.

West Indies were on the brink of an innings defeat against CA XI on day 3 of their 4-day tour game. Resuming at 125/7 on the final day, skipper Jason Holder and Kemar Roach, prevented the humiliation of an innings defeat against a side that had as many as six first-class debutants in their side, but couldn’t prevent their impending doom, reports ESPN Cricinfo.

Jason Holder’s fifty was the only bright star in the otherwise dull and morose display by the West Indians. In reply to their first innings total of 243, the CA XI registered 444 on the board, and then bowled the Caribbeans out for 210, hence giving themselves a target of 10 runs that was achieved with nonchalance.

What lies in wait for West Indies on encounter with Australia

The West Indies travel to Hobart for the first Test against Australia that begins on December 10. They play two more Tests in the Frank-Worrell Trophy, including the boxing-day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26.

Devoid of their star performers, namely Dwayne Bravo, Darren Sammy, and Kieron Pollard, who were not considered for the Team after the abandoned India tour of 2013, the young West Indies side has shown intent but haven’t been able to perform consistently.

Their ace spinner Sunil Narine has had issues with his action, and has been in and out of team after being reported for suspect action multiple times. Add to that the financial crunch, and the dispute against the board, the picture that you get is very bleak.

Come December 10, and the West Indies would have to fight two battles, one against Australia, and the other within themselves. If they come out on top, it might just be one of the greatest moments in their rich history.