West Indies

Once unbeatable, going through 20 series between year 1980 to 1994 successfully which is still a record, West Indies cricket team is going down hill since then (at the exception of Champions trophy triump in 2004 and reaching final of same tournament next). It's been 3 since Windies won a significant test series, losing all tests of last 4 series and even Bangladesh managed to nail them 2-0 at home to register their maiden overseas test series victory..

Chris Gayle captained West Indies in 20 tests, losing 9 while winning just 3. now, he even refuses to abide by rules set by West Indies cricket board (like central contracts or representing country over club). Resultant, Darren Sammy has been appointed new West Indies captain, although Gayle remains in the team as a left handed opening batsman. Can Sammy turn Windies future around? if anyone can, yes. Right handed Windward island allrounder is a whole hearted allrounder who's also one of the best fielders in the side. Not sure how much of a man manager he is, with Gayle and other experienced players like Dwayne Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpual and Sulieman Benn at his disposal, Sammy can surely set standards in all three departments of the game and expect to extract same support from his seniors.

West Indies' next assignment is 3 test match series in Sri Lanka, which will be a stern test for caribbean team. Although legendary Muthiah Muralitharan has retired, Kumar Sangakkara's team is ruthless at home and young Windies captain will need all the luck he can get to make a mark in first two months of his leadership.

Chris Gayle, Shivnarine Chanderpual and Dwayne Bravo as mentioned above, are the three main batting weapon for visitors but newly appointed vice captain Brendan Nash is always a force to recon with. Left handed Australia born is a fighter batsman and home team will need plans to bring about his dismissals. youngsters Darren Bravo and Adrian Barath are attacking options in the squad.

Devon Smith, the left handed tiny opening batsman, gets another chance at international level, probably cause he's a better player of spin bowlers. Smith was in good form with West Indies performance squad in England earlier this, averaging 60+.

Although spinners have never been plus point of West Indies cricket, Shane Shillingford and Sulieman Benn form a slow bowling combination home team can rely on anytime on this tough series. Offspinner Shillingford made his debut against England recently and with his bagful experience in domestic cricket, did well to maintain his line & length and something similar will serve him gold in Lankan conditions. Sulieman Benn is a much imporved left arm orthodox spinner these days, flighting the ball high over batsmen's eyeline, although his mood is little juvenile.

Fast bowlers is West Indies cricket's biggest disappointment in last one decade. Once they used to find tear-away speedsters in abundance and now they've only Kemar Roach to set batters on the back-foot. Nelson Pascal is the only other full time pacer in the squad with captain Darren Sammy and allrounders Dwayne Bravo + Jamaican allrounder Andre Russell in backup.

West Indies selectors have dumped underperforming wicket keeper Denesh Ramdin, finally, and given gloves to Carlton Baugh and rookie Devon Thoman. Baugh hasn't played a test since 2004.

Memories of that 2005 West Indies tour of Sri Lanka is still fresh. young visitors side, captained by Shivnarine Chanderpaul, was no show against home team who won 1st test by 6 wickets inside 4 days and then registered comprehensive 240 run in second to win series 2-nil.

Tour before that, back in November 2001, was even terrible for windies side as they lost nil-3, despite a certain Brian Lara making scores like 178, 40, 74, 45, 221 and 130 in his 6 innings! Clearly, Muthiah Muralitharan had no effect on left handed Trinidadian even though he got 24 wickets in that series.

Overall, West Indies have been on test tours to Sri Lanka thrice, drew one off first test back in 1993 and have lost all tests since then. Question is, can Caribbean boys imporve their pathetic previous performances in Sri Lanka? November 2010 comes with an opportunity, with 3 brand new tests.

According to schedule, West Indies vs Sri Lanka 1st test match will be played at Galle international ground from 15th, second at P Sara Oval in Colombo from 23rd and then third at brand new Pallekele International ground from 1st December 2010.

West Indies then move onto play 5 one day series with Sri Lanka in which first two will be played at another new cricket stadium = Suriyawewa in Hambantota, followed by final 3 as well as the tour finishing single twenty20 international at Premesasa stadium on 21st Dec.

West Indies have named a fairly experienced side with absolutely new captain in Darren Sammy which makes this tour even interesting. Can likes of Chris Gayle, without leadership responsibilities, lift their performances and win some game for Caribbbean team? we'll soon find out.