Windies coach blasts seniors for Cup exit

Opener Gayle hits back at coach’s criticism.

DHAKA: West Indies coach Ottis Gibson lashed out at his senior players for their inconsistency and warned them their international futures were in danger after the former champions crashed out of the World Cup.

Gibson pulled no punches after the West Indies were shot out for 112 during Pakistan’s 10-wicket romp in Wednesday’s quarter-final, saying the seniors needed to buck up or face the axe.

“We’re very disappointed with our performance,” said the coach. “It’s a fact that our senior players haven’t performed. When the going got tough we didn’t stand up to it. It comes down to individuals taking responsibility and believing in themselves. Ultimately it comes down to performance, that’s what matters in sport.

“Our batsmen haven’t performed consistently for us to move forward.”

Opener Chris Gayle managed just 170 runs in the tournament, Shivnarine Chanderpaul made 114, Ramnaresh Sarwan 115 and Kieron Pollard scored 180. Gibson warned hard decisions may be taken ahead of a home Test and one-day series against Pakistan starting next month.

“We have some time to reflect between now and then. There will be some serious decisions to be made about players and about the way forward. We still need some senior players. Guys who still have the hunger and desire to do well at the highest level.”

Meanwhile, Gayle hit back at Gibson for criticising the team saying it is “easy” to blame the senior players after a loss.

‘It is easy to blame senior players but difficult to accept the truth!!! Curse me blame me!!!’ Gayle posted on his Twitter account, apologising to fans of his nation after West Indies crashed out of the World Cup in disgrace.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 25^th, 2011.