The eminent scholar, C.L.R. James, has written, “Cricket is an art, a means of national expression.” James’ statement has remained valid beyond the boundary of time, and echoed recently in a statement from West Indies captain, Jason Holder. West Indies are now chasing the World Cup in England.
According to Holder, speaking with the Guardian in England, “It would mean a lot to us if we were to win [the World Cup]. It’s something we’ve won before [1975 and 1979], and it’s always said in the Caribbean that if West Indies cricket is doing well then the West Indian people are happy. You saw it in the recent England [Test] series. Everywhere we went in the Caribbean, people were full of high praise for our efforts and winning performances. Success on the cricket field puts a smile on West Indian faces. Seeing us succeed and even dominate again gave the whole region a huge lift. Hopefully we can continue to bring the people of the region closer.”
Keeping James’ and Holder’s words in mind, the recent performance by West Indies against Pakistan has been an encouraging start to our World Cup ambition, and if the team continues with such remarkable game play throughout the present tournament, it means some of the higher ranked teams are in trouble.
In their opening match on May 31, the inexorable pace and accuracy from Oshane Thomas and Andre Russell contributed hugely to a Pakistan rout, the team floundering for 105. It was Pakistan’s second lowest score in World Cup history. Following Pakistan’s poor performance with the bat, Chris Gayle then tore through their bowling, notching up an entertaining 50 off 33 balls. West Indies glided on smooth seas to a seven-wicket victory with 218 balls to spare.
It was a satisfying game of cricket that put smiles on the faces of fans in the Caribbean region and the diaspora, and particularly here in the GTA.
Said former team captain Clive Lloyd: “I think Pakistan has previously given us problems, so it was a very admirable performance, and I can only wish Jason Holder and the rest of the boys well for the rest of the tournament. I’m sure they will upset a few of the big boys if they play like that.”
As many of us wistfully recall, Lloyd was the last West Indies captain to win the World Cup in 1979.
The West Indies have been performing well as far back as 2016, with a commendable showing at the T20 World Cup, winning that tournament through measured deployment of intelligence, style, and inspiring cricket. Also with Holder at the helm, West Indies’ saw another resurgence earlier this year, outplaying England, winning the first Test by 381 runs, and the second Test by ten wickets. Holder led from the front, with an unbeaten, artistic 202 during the first Test.
It remains to be seen how the team will hold up in the days ahead. As Lloyd said last week, the win against Pakistan prove West Indies have the firepower and can match up to the other teams. He acknowledged West Indies applying the pressure to be a good tactic, but the way forward will be in the team’s batting.
Holder has indicated he plans to keep the West Indies grounded – one given being there is a lot of World Cup in the days ahead. As he has said, “We just want to be consistent. The only thing we can focus on and control is cricket, and we’ve got three departments to make sure we’re clinical in terms of our batting, bowling and fielding, and I just want us to be the best we can in terms of performing our roles for the team.”
When Holder says a World Cup win will be meaningful, he is speaking for James, the West Indies, the Caribbean, and the diaspora.