Clive Lloyd urges complete overhaul of West Indies cricket after historic collapse

India Today

7 days ago

Clive Lloyd, the iconic former West Indies captain, has called on cricketing authorities to undertake a serious and comprehensive review of the sport at all levels in the Caribbean, following the Test team's humiliating collapse against Australia at Sabina Park, where they were bowled out for just 27 runs.The 27-run total was just one run above the lowest score in Test history-New Zealand's 26 in 1955-and has sparked widespread concern across the cricketing world. In response, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has invited Lloyd, along with fellow greats Sir Viv Richards and Brian Lara, to participate in an emergency summit to discuss the future of West Indies cricket.advertisementIn a statement to ESPNcricinfo, Lloyd emphasized the need for honest reflection and sweeping changes.
"We have to examine all aspects of West Indies cricket-from grassroots to the international level. Everything must be looked at closely and carefully. West Indies cricket is an institution. It has given so much to the people of this region, and we must do all we can to revive it," he said.Lloyd, who led the West Indies during their dominant era in the 1970s and 80s, said he remains ready to help however he can. He believes the Test team's batting, in particular, needs urgent attention. Only Brandon King and Anderson Phillip averaged above 20 during the series, with King's 75 in Grenada standing out as the highest individual score from either side. The team's inability to bat for long periods, highlighted by the historic collapse, has exposed serious technical and mental deficiencies.Lloyd stressed the need for more disciplined and patient batters who can "dig in" and value their wickets."We need a couple of Larry Gomes-players who are willing to bat ugly if needed, stay at the crease, and wear down the bowlers. We haven't been doing that. We've lost that ability to fight and stay in," he said.He also echoed head coach Daren Sammy's concerns about the quality of pitches in the Caribbean and the structure of domestic cricket. Lloyd questioned whether enough quality cricket is being played at school, club, and first-class levels, and whether the pitches are helping players develop the skills needed for Test cricket."We have to go back to basics. Are our young players getting the right kind of cricket? Are our pitches helping them learn how to build innings or bowl long spells? The mental side of our game needs to improve too."West Indies have now finished eighth in all three World Test Championship cycles. Their upcoming away tours to India and New Zealand offer little room for quick recovery. Lloyd, who famously led the West Indies to victory in the inaugural Cricket World Cup in 1975, insists the region still has the talent, but bold steps are now essential.advertisement"I'm always available to help in any way. We've been playing top-class cricket for nearly 100 years. We owe it to ourselves to get this right."As the Caribbean reflects on its proud cricketing past, Lloyd's words serve as a clear reminder: legacy alone is not enough. The time for sentiment has passed. The time for rebuilding has begun.- EndsMust Watch