The West Indies cricket staff endured one of many darkest days of their storied historical past, crumbling to an unfathomable 27 all out of their second innings in opposition to Australia at Sabina Park on Monday.
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It was a collapse so brutal that it etched itself into the annals of Check cricket ignominy: the second-lowest whole within the format’s historical past, and the bottom ever recorded by a West Indies aspect, eclipsing the earlier nadir of 47.
Australia’s 3-0 collection whitewash was sealed in simply 14.3 overs on the third day of the ultimate Check. The Sabina Park devoted watched in surprised disbelief as Mitchell Starc ripped by the batting order in a devastating burst, claiming 5 wickets in solely 15 deliveries—the quickest five-wicket haul in Check historical past.
Including to the disgrace, the West Indies turned the primary staff ever to file seven geese in a single Check innings, a statistical scar that can linger for years.
Chase: “It’s heartbreaking. It’s embarrassing.”
A visibly dejected Roston Chase, main the West Indies in his first collection as captain, didn’t mince phrases in his post-match reflections.
“It’s disappointing,” Chase admitted. “We’ve been placing ourselves in positions to win video games, after which we simply lay down and don’t put up a battle within the final batting innings. It’s fairly heartbreaking, as a result of I feel we did it in all three Checks, and we’re not likely studying from our errors.”
The skipper acknowledged the magnitude of the collapse.
“Clearly, being bowled out for lower than 30 is kind of embarrassing,” he mentioned. “I assumed 204 was reasonable. The wicket was nonetheless a very good batting wicket. I didn’t assume there have been too many devils within the pitch just like the final two video games. We thought 204 was gettable. However then, clearly, with the beginning we had—11 for six or one thing like that—it’s very troublesome to get these runs from there.”
A collection of batting woes
The Sabina Park debacle capped a depressing collection for the West Indies’ fragile batting unit. Throughout six innings in three Checks, their totals learn: 190, 141, 253, 143, 143, and eventually 27.
Solely Brandon King offered fleeting resistance, registering the staff’s sole half-century with 75 in Grenada. No different batter averaged above 20 for the collection, underscoring the depth of the disaster.
Bowler-dominated pitches—however no excuses
Whereas Chase acknowledged the difficult situations, he shunned utilizing the pitches as an excuse.
“I feel the pitches have been very powerful. I don’t need to say they have been too in favour of the bowlers, however they have been very powerful. That is most likely the primary collection I’ve performed the place no batter received 100 for both aspect. That simply exhibits how dominant the bowlers have been.”
But even that context couldn’t soften the tough actuality: the West Indies had did not adapt, did not battle, and did not be taught.
Eyes on India: An opportunity for redemption
Trying forward, Chase urged his staff to make use of the break earlier than their subsequent project—a frightening tour of India in October—as a time for soul-searching and technical enchancment.
“We have to actually take a deep have a look at ourselves as batters. We’ve received time on our aspect now. We have to see the place we will enhance and the way we will put up 300-run totals,” he mentioned.
With subcontinental situations awaiting them, Chase emphasised the necessity for particular preparation.
“India goes to be completely different—most likely extra spinner-friendly. So, if we will have some batting camps round taking part in spin, I feel that shall be splendid for us.”
A staff on the crossroads
The crushing defeat leaves critical questions hanging over the way forward for West Indies’ red-ball cricket. But Chase stays cautiously hopeful that with time, self-discipline, and higher preparation, his aspect can claw their manner again from this nadir.
For now, although, the scars of Sabina Park—and the quantity 27—will function a painful reminder of how far the West Indies should climb.
