Nottingham, July 16: West Indies are no more the fearsome side they once used to be. They do surprise the opposition occasionally, but they certainly lack consistency.
Though the Caribbeans have a comparatively better track record in the T20I format, but in ODIs and Test cricket they are struggling. They did not qualify for the ODI World Cup 2023 in India last year. That was certainly something surprising. Because West Indies were the ODI World Cup champions of the first two editions in 1975 and 1979.
Even in 1983, they were the clear favourites for a hat-trick triumph. But in the final, Kapil Dev & Co surprised Clive Llloyd 's men and lifted the trophy.
From late 1970s to early 1990s, the West Indians dominated world cricket. However, they could not continue that golden run. Although they had occasional brilliance and produced world class players, but consistency continues to elude them.
However, last year they did surprise the mighty Australians in the Gabba Test, with pacer Shamar Joseph announcing his arrival in world cricket with seven second innings wickets. The Caribbeans, won that Test and drew the two-match Test series 1-1 on Australian soil.
In that series, Australia outclassed the Caribbean side with a 10-wicket win at Adelaide in the first Test. The Caribbeans responded with a historic 8-run victory at The Gabba, with Joseph's heroics.
Now, West Indies are in England playing red ball cricket. They were beaten by hosts England by an innings and 114 runs in the first Test. After the huge defeat, West Indies coach Andre Coley hopes his boys can replicate The Gabba act once again and salvage the Caribbean pride.
The harsh reality is, West Indies are still searching for a Test win in England since 1988. They were demolished in the series opener. Ben Stokes' side made James Anderson's final game memorable by sealing a massive victory.
Ahead of the second Test against England at Trent Bridge on Thursday, Coley wants his players to win the game and bring the series to 1-1 level. Then they can focus on the series decider at Edgbaston, Coley believes.
If the Caribbeans can win the second Test, it would be a great fight back indeed. But considering the present form of both the teams, hosts England appear to be clear favourites to clinch the series.
But cricket being a strange game, nothing can be guaranteed. The visitors have every opportunity to regain their lost pride by putting a check on England's dominance and surprise them with a Test victory.