The demise of the West Indies is rather sad, really. They were the dominant cricket power when I was a boy; today they’re a rabble.
Peter Roebuck has suggested they may be better off forming national sides based on their countries, eg Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, etc.
If they can’t get their act together as a confederation that may be the way to go.
There are only four top-rung nations at the moment: Australia, England, South Africa and India.
The second rung comprises Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and West Indies.
There is a third rung that includes Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Kenya, Scotland and Ireland.
Beneath that are the current Associate nations and developing countries, some of which show considerable promise.
Some articles in the Australian press recently have focused on the game’s potential in China.
That’s great, but don’t forget Kenya needs support, Uganda shows hope to improve, Papua New Guinea has structures in place already and Indonesia also has great potential.
There was an interesting blog article earlier this month on cricket’s prospects in Indonesia.
“Former Surrey left-arm-spinner Keith Medlycott thinks giving Indonesian cricketers exposure to longer forms of cricket and continued coaching would bring huge rewards for the game after leading the Marylebone Cricket Club on a four-game tour of the country last month.”
It’s great the MCC is touring to countries like Indonesia and I hope it’s true the game is developing there beyond expatriates.
If it is true, Australia should be taking the lead and actively encouraging the sport.
There have been suggestions that China is on the brink of major cricket development. I hope that’s right and, if so, it’s worthy of Australian support.
In the meantime, if the game can be assisted in PNG and Indonesia, Australia should play a key role.
