New-look Windies braced for South African trial

Neil Manthorp

West Indian cricket has explored new depths of despair in the last three years and the prospect of facing South Africa in five Tests, beginning at the Bourda ground on Friday, has sent some supporters scurrying for cover before a ball has been bowled.

Where there is no hope, however, there is only hope. Carl Hooper returns from his self-imposed exile as captain while Shivnarine Chanderpaul is back to bolster the middle order and provide Brian Lara with some much-needed support.

Although four fast bowlers have been picked in the 13-man squad, Nixon McLean is likely to carry the drinks while the Busta Cup's leading wicket-taker, Dinanath Ramnarine, gets the chance to bowl his leg breaks.

Yet another new opening pair in Wavell Hinds and Chris Gayle, a bolstered middle order, a balanced bowling attack on the Caribbean's best batting strip -- hope springs eternal and once again the optimists are saying: "Maybe this time..."

Recent results, though, tell a different story.

Just over two years ago South Africa whitewashed Brian Lara's fragmented team 5-0 at home and the expected light relief in New Zealand ended up as another whitewash, this time 2-0.

Lara was sacked and Jimmy Adams stepped in for the Australian tour -- 5-0 again.

HALF THE STORY

That, however, is only half the story. Every member of the South African squad repeats, mantra style, that the West Indies have lost just one series on home soil in 25 years, against Mark Taylor's 1995 Australians.

"That's an incredible record and it hasn't happened by accident -- there are plenty of good reasons for it. I know what people are expecting but it isn't going to be like that. If we win it will take a hell of an effort," South African coach Graham Ford said.

South Africa's greatest problem, it seems, is not the lack of suitable practice facilities to indulge their passion for hard work, the vocal crowds, the heat or even the distraction of the palm-lined beaches, but the weight of expectation. An unjust expectation, in their opinion.

"Every side lifts themselves in familiar conditions and every side is psychologically stronger at home. The West Indies are no different. Like Australia, there is always that strong, psychological approach -- on and off the field -- that many teams can't deal with," said veteran Gary Kirsten.

"It will be a great effort to win the series; people expect us to win because we are a good team, and we expect to win too, but it's going to be a lot harder than a lot of people think."

Not since the captaincy of Clive Lloyd have the islands of the Caribbean united for a common cause, and the early signs are that Carl Hooper will be another to try but fail.

HOOPER SCEPTICS

The all-rounder's decision to walk out on the team two years ago has left many sceptical about his motives now and former fast bowling great Michael Holding has even refused to commentate on television while Hooper is in charge.

Some things never change, although South African cricket players visiting Guyana is one thing that has.

In 1981 England's tour of the West Indies was almost cancelled because seam bowler Robin Jackman's connections with South Africa were unacceptable to the Guyanese government.

This time, Shaun Pollock's team have been welcomed with open arms. And Jackman will be back, too taking Holding's place in the commentary box.

Teams:

West Indies (from): Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Brian Lara, Carl Hooper (captain), Marlon Samuels, Ridley Jacobs, Dinanath Ramnarine, Mervyn Dillon, Reon King, Courtney Walsh, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Nixon McLean.

South Africa: Gary Kirsten, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Daryll Cullinan, Neil McKenzie, Mark Boucher, Lance Klusener, Nicky Boje, Shaun Pollock (captain), Allan Donald, Makhaya Ntini.

Mail Cricket Editor