West Indies’ ODI renaissance: rebuilding pride after collapse

The humiliation of being bowled out for 27 in a Test match can scar an entire cricketing culture. Yet less than a month after their historic collapse against Australia, the West Indies men’s team found a different gear in the 50‑over format. Under new head coach Carl Hooper, they swept a three‑match ODI series against Sri Lanka in Guyana, playing a brand of cricket that combined flair with strategic discipline. The transformation was not accidental; it stemmed from honest conversations, structural changes and a commitment to reasserting West Indian identity in international cricket.

Central to the revival was wicketkeeper‑batter Shai Hope. Having been criticised for slow scoring rates in the past, Hope reinvented his game. He opened the innings in the first ODI and struck a run‑a‑ball 112, anchoring a successful chase of 287. In the process, he showcased improved intent, driving on the up and sweeping spinners over square leg. His strike rotation freed up middle‑order hitters like Nicholas Pooran and Rovman Powell, who capitalised on tiring bowlers with muscular hitting. Hope’s leadership behind the stumps also improved; he marshalled the field with authority and encouraged bowlers to trust attacking lines even under pressure.

The bowling attack, often maligned for lack of penetration in the middle overs, found new life. Left‑arm seamer Obed McCoy returned from injury and demonstrated why he is considered one of the best death bowlers in T20 cricket. His variations of slower balls and yorkers strangled Sri Lanka’s batters at the death. Spinner Kevin Sinclair, making his ODI debut, bowled tight lines and displayed excellent control, conceding only 38 runs in his full quota while picking up two wickets. Off‑spinner Roston Chase, freed from the captaincy, rediscovered his rhythm, giving the ball air and tempting batters into rash drives. The trio, supported by part‑time overs from Alick Athanaze, restricted Sri Lanka’s scoring to manageable levels in each match.

Off the field, Cricket West Indies (CWI) implemented structural reforms that underpinned the resurgence. Following the innings of 27, CWI held open forums across the Caribbean, inviting fans, former players and coaches to voice concerns. The feedback highlighted the need for more robust domestic competitions, better coaching at grassroots levels and transparent selection policies. In response, CWI increased funding for regional tournaments, introduced fitness benchmarks for selection and appointed a sports psychologist to travel with the team. The board also emphasised the importance of player availability, negotiating with franchise leagues to ensure that centrally contracted players participate in all international fixtures.

An intangible yet crucial factor in the revival was pride. Players spoke openly about feeling embarrassed by the Adelaide collapse and using it as motivation. In team meetings, Hooper showed footage of great Caribbean cricketers – Clive Lloyd, Vivian Richards, Brian Lara – to remind current players of the legacy they represent. This history lesson resonated deeply. In the second ODI against Sri Lanka, when the team found themselves at 87 for 5 chasing 260, Shamarh Brooks and Romario Shepherd dug in with a 110‑run stand. They eschewed risky shots, respected the conditions and built an innings reminiscent of the grit displayed by past West Indian greats. Brooks, often criticised for inconsistency, produced an unbeaten 98, guiding West Indies home with four overs to spare. After the final game, Hooper described the series win as “a small step on a long journey”, urging fans to temper expectations but acknowledge the progress. The sweep restored pride and provided evidence that, with proper planning and renewed commitment, West Indies cricket can rise again.