Laurie Foster | ‘Universe Boss’ Deserves One Last Sabina Test Swing

The explosive Cricket West Indies (CWI) left-hand opening batsman, Chris Gayle, now age 39, seems to be undecided about his date for retirement from the game.

There were utterances a few weeks ago which suggested that he had experienced enough and was setting the agenda for his final innings. A scene of high-fives at the end of his tour at the wicket during the limited-overs sector of the current series against India, conveyed the impression that hanging up his boots was imminent. However, since that, he has said things which have stimulated the view that his previously announced plans were somewhat premature.

While his final agenda is still to be revealed, one can recall his expressed wish to be afforded the opportunity to play his farewell Test match against the Indians, starting on August 30, at his home turf, Sabina Park.

If that happened, it would end five years of absence from that arena. Reactions from cricket fans were varied. Some voiced the opinion that, given his tremendous contribution to West Indies cricket, where he also served as captain, he should be granted this privilege. The opposing view was that his desire should not be entertained. Some pundits asked a crucial question, “Is he a selector now?” It was even suggested by others that to agree to that Gayle request would be tantamount to declaring the structure and administration of the region’s highest form of the game as a farce and as such, should be rubbished.

After the performance of the regional team in the just-concluded first Test against India, with the side being tumbled out for 100 in its second innings, the term ‘farcical’ comes to mind. What is now being faced after this embarrassing demise of the team is likely to be even moreso.

One hears a slew of commercials trying to attract crowds to the ground for this weekend’s action. However, what hope can there be that this campaign will be anywhere close to being sucessful after the shameful display at the Sir Vivian Richards Ground in Antigua and Barbuda this past weekend?

Difficult situation

The new cricket administration, led by former team manager Ricky Skerritt, should be in a quandary, as they face up to the likelihood of near empty stands at Sabina Park this weekend. It was brought to power amid prospects of finding a remedy to address some of the ills that were created by, and which hobbled their predecessors. A much-disputed sweeping away of the officials who executed the different aspects of the game, including coach and chief selector, followed. The main contention of those who opposed this move is that among those fired was head coach Richard Pybus, who was at the helm when the high-riding England was thrashed 2-1, losing the Wisden Trophy, and West Indies managed an unexpected 2-2 tie in the One Day Internationals. It was felt that to dismiss Pybus was an ill-advised move.

Foster’s Fairplay, hitherto in disagreement with the Gayle request for a final hurrah at home, is now at a different place.

The current feeling is that Cricket West Indies should accede to the two-time triple centurion’s wish and let him have his way. The thought is that it should bring some measure of interest to the Kingston match. Cricket in the Test format is taking a serious beating in this region, and one can only hope that such a move would have a positive effect. It is agreed that the time is woefully short but, as the saying goes, better late than never.

So CWI, let us bring back the Universe Boss for a final fling in the Test arena.

Laurie Foster is a vetern sports journalist. For feedback: email: lauriefoster2012@gmail.com