THE one thing West Indian captains of recent times do not worry about is their bowling attack. But yesterday, Test skipper Richie Richardson was faced with the vexed problem of an under-strength bowling department, so much so that he dropped himself from the Plate final against South Africa.
The move was not surprising. Richardson bowled once in the tournament and was carted all over the place. Then he took over wicketkeeping duties from star batsman Brian Lara.
But as Lara cannot bowl to save his life, Richardson's problems persisted. Thus he dropped himself and brought in Jimmy Adams. But the standard did not improve.
Plagued with it this year, Richardson now has plans for next year's tournament.
'If I have anything to do with the selection of the team next year, I will see that we bring a better bowling side,' said Richardson candidly after his team had edged out South Africa by one run to win the Plate.
Richardson blamed a 'depleted bowling department' for his side's two-wicket loss earlier in the day to Australia, resulting in relegation to the Plate final.
'We have to bring a better bowling side out here, if we are going to win the tournament one day,' said Richardson. 'It was disappointing not to be in the Cup final.' The reason was simple. The West Indies batted poorly against the Australians, a match which both sides had to win to enter the Cup final after they had each scored victories over Holland.