Thaindian News

Nottingham, May 29 (IANS/CMC) West Indies’ legendary captain Sir Vivian Richards has blasted the Caribbean side’s disastrous batting in the second Test at Trent Bridge against England and has criticised newly recalled wicketkeeper/batsman Denesh Ramdin, saying the player has “deteriorated in such a big way”.

The West Indies capitulated meekly in their second innings, tottering at 61 for six in their second innings at the end of the third day’s play Sunday.

“It was immature and these individuals need to think about the requirements to play at this level,” Sir Viv told BBC’s Test Match Special.

“They must be given credit for the way they bowled, but batters did not come to party and need to sort their heads out where shot selection is concerned.”

Not for the first time in the series, the West Indies’ top order collapsed after England had secured a 58-run first innings lead at tea.

The tourists were 14 for two inside the first half hour with both openers Adrian Barath (7) and Kieran Powell (1) dismissed.

Stylish left-hander Darren Bravo scored 22 and the usually dependable Shivnarine Chanderpaul fell to a loose stroke in the deep, to leave the Windies innings in tatters.

Ramdin, recalled after two years in the wilderness, managed just six while Kirk Edwards failed to score for the second time in four Test innings on tour.

“Ramdin just looks out of sorts. When he first came into the game, I felt he was a huge prospect,” pointed out Sir Viv, who never lost a series as captain.

“For some reason, he has deteriorated in such a big way. Just the way he is walking back, he looks like a totally lost guy.”

Ramdin averages 22.28 after 44 Tests.

Sir Viv, who scored 8,540 from 121 Tests at an average of 50, said Edwards’ technique was lacking.

“The flaw’s in Kirk Edwards’s technique, he’s looking all over the place. His confidence has been totally destroyed,” he said.

–IANS/CMC
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