Cricket West Indies president slams T20 World Cup performance
Losing to both Scotland and Ireland to miss out on the Super 12 phase and bow out from the T20 World Cup early, Skerritt bemoaned both the attitude and technical deficiencies of the group, in a statement across social media.
Match highlights of Ireland's dominant chase against that West Indies, with Paul Stirling's half-century helping them coast to the Super 12 stage with a nine-wicket victory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022.
The side in particular struggled with spin in Hobart, on a Bellerive Oval surface generally favouring quick bowling.
Falling 42 runs short chasing 161 against Richie Berrington’s side to begin the event, the West Indies could only muster 146 against Ireland, a total that was chased down emphatically in just 17.3 overs.
“I am deeply disappointed with the performance results of our team in Australia and I appreciate the sense of utter frustration that is being experienced by many,” Skerritt began.
“The ongoing inability of our batsmen to prevail over opposing slow bowling continued to be an obvious weakness in Australia, and untimely shot selections seem to be deeply embedded in the T20 batting culture of our senior team."
Skerritt has been the CWI President since 2019, having previously worked with the side extensively as team manager.
After this year’s campaign, Skerritt assured that no stone will be left unturned in the team’s assessment.
“A thorough post-mortem will be carried out on all aspects of our World Cup preparation and performance, and that solutions will be found in keeping with CWI’s strategy to improve the quality and sustainability of cricket on all fronts, and in all formats.
“West Indies cricket is bigger than any one individual or event, and continues to need the input and support of all stakeholders.”
While the side’s dip in form had been a concern before the tournament, and in spite of the collective strength in First Round Group B, the West Indies were still favoured by many to advance to the Super 12 stage, on the quest for a third T20 World Cup title.
Opting to omit the likes of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine from the squad, Shimron Hetmyer also did not make the trip to Australia, missing his re-scheduled flight to be with the rest of the team.
After their elimination, coach Phil Simmons fronted up to the press, stressing that he was satisfied by the team’s preparation ahead of the event.
“We've worked hard. We've prepared well. It's just on the day, we haven't done the correct things. We haven't assessed the situation properly of the day and done what's necessary for the situation.
“I don't think there was disrespect on our part. We prepared like if we were playing anyone else.”
When asked what needs to change for future campaigns, Simmons called for calm in their assessment.
"We've got to go back and look at our structure and how we play the game and make sure that when we come to competitions and when we play in bilateral series we are ready and able to do what's necessary for each situation of the game."
The West Indies return to Australia for their next international action, playing two Test matches as part of the World Test Championship.