David Leggat: Windies hamstrung by inept officials

West Indies batsman Andre Russell. Photo / Mark Mitchell

It used to be the most anticipated of cricket contests but today's Boxing Day test against the West Indies in Melbourne looks sure to add a fresh chapter to one of the most farcical series in recent memory.

You have one side brimming with confidence, the other a shambles, several West Indies players disinterested, others short on confidence, still finding their test feet, still others on borrowed time.

Time was when a West Indies tour of Australia was among the gold star events of a cricket year. But time has caught up with the men from the Caribbean amalgamation.

They were walloped by a young Australian XI in Brisbane, several of whose players had yet to play first-class cricket; pulverized in the first test at Hobart and there seems no hope of revival in the coming weeks.

Now the more shrill among the Australian media have demanded they banish the West Indies to second tier status.

There were periods when Australia, and the world's nations, would have delighted in seeing the West Indies lose their sting. Funny how now there's a desire to wish them back to the old days.

The West Indies problems stem in large degree from appalling officialdom, a board of 17 representing the region, all with vested interests for the various nations who make up the Windies.

Even urgings from the joint Government group Caricom to disband and start with a fresh sheet have been ignored. Greed, self interest, an unwillingness to give up what they have for the greater good are all part of the sad picture.

The great players of a generation ago have tried to help.

Clive Lloyd, leader of the all-conquering team in the late 1970s and first half of the 1980s, is chief selector. Courtney Walsh, one of the phalanx of fast bowling giants who terrified and thrilled, depending on whether you were at the other end of the pitch or watching from the stands, is also a selector.

Curtly Ambrose is the bowling coach. Joel Garner, Andy Roberts, Richie Richardson, Viv Richards - all have tried.

In the past 10 years, the West Indies have won four of 44 away tests - three against Bangladesh, due respect and all.

There is no end in sight to the malaise. So is it time to consider disbanding the West Indies and leaving the individual nations to go it alone?

Ongoing ructions between the leading players and West Indies board are unhelpful, and there are other factors. Do the gifted young Caribbean sportsmen yearn to be the next Richards or Ambrose, or to emulate Usain Bolt, or crack the NBA?

One point: do away with the West Indies and they're unlikely to return. There is a belief that youth is the way to go. That always takes time.

There are good people trying to do good work for the West Indies. Unfortunately while the current administration stays intact, they won't get far.