Batting On Decline - Hitting Out

Oh dear, what can the matter be? The recent Red Stripe Bowl once more provided concrete evidence that batting stocks in the Caribbean are at a low ebb.

It could be argued that the pitches in the Jamaica zone were not the most ideal for one-day cricket.

But that's hardly an excuse for the consistent low scores.

In 23 matches, there were a mere six team totals of more than 200 in comparison to the 12 all out totals of less than 150.

While the pitches in Jamaica were of a generally slowish nature, batsmen should have recognised the need to adapt to the conditions.

In such circumstances, it should be recognised that one cannot play the type of strokes that one would play while batting on concrete.

What was needed was a patient approach in which one was prepared to graft for runs.

The art of pushing the ball into spaces and running quick singles was lost by most batsmen.

The Leeward Islands were especially culpable in the final against the Windward Islands.

While Wilden Cornwall, a known stroke-player, could stand up and bat for extended periods in both the semifinal and the final, his more established teammates were out to irresponsible strokes.

It was much of the same when Barbados played against United States in the last match of the preliminaries and when they met the Leewards in the semis.

Even the experienced batsmen failed and it was a surprise that the biggest impression with the bat was created by the Windwards' 18-year-old opener Rommel Currency.

Here is someone of average ability who displayed that runs could be scored with a small measure of application.

Jamaica fielded two young openers at this level for the first time and both Brenton Parchment and Keith Hibbert consistently produced until they attracted top deliveries in the semis against the Windwards.

Was the bowling throughout the tournament so outstanding that the scores should have been so paltry?

Not at all.

Both the Windward Islands and Barbados were impeccable with their line and length, but overall, the very good economy rates by the bowlers moreso reflected the ineptness of batsmen.

One has to ask what sort of preparation took place ahead of the cricket tournament.

The Windward Islands showed the benefits of their five-day camp in Dominica and other teams would have matched them if their preparation had been just as intense and meaningful.

What is clear, however, is that regional batsmen need to go back to the drawing boards.