TINO BEST: Ordinary, Second Rate, Run-of-the mill Bowler

OK Folks:

* There is no question Tino Best is a man of superior enthusiasm, but when it comes to bowling Tino is as mediocre and inferior as they come.

* You know the Rev's mantra: The Numbers don't lie.

* In 24 tests Tino Best has taken only 56 wickets---that's a pi$$ poor 2.3 wkts per test---and his bowling average is a horrendous 39.39

* It's no wonder a #8 ranked team like New Zealand can run up scores like 600+ and 400+ against the WI bowling.


With inferior and 2nd rate bowlers like Tino Best, West Indies cricket will remain in the toilet for generations to come.

Rev

Best is terrible, but his little batting stint yesterday was hilarious. His batting was the only bright spot in a otherwise depressing game. Watching him bat was like watching Courtney Walsh bat.

Tino is a comedian---I like the guy---he is full of life--energy---enthusiasm---he is lots of fun---but unfortunately Tino is a second rater when it comes to his profession.

Rev

In my view, a very interesting thread this!

Fidel Edwards, Daren Powell, Tino Best plus a few others seem to have all the attributes apart from character and I am not aiming to be disparaging to any of these guys.

Tino Best has been thrown a lifeline which is good for him but, despite his unquestionable heart and effort, he has not shown the aptitude. I am not sure why someone like Best would be ahead of guys like Holder and Rampaul in particular.

On the occasions I have seen Rampaul, he seems to be the go to man to get you a wicket or two especially up front and that is what you need to destabilise the opposition, whoever they are. Holder should be nurtured and be allowed to play many ODIs to hone his skills.

However, as a general point, it is ineffectual debating changes which would not occur but I suppose will be done out of concern.  Apart from Pakistan I cannot think of any other nation where changes are so obvious to all to see, all of the cricketing world, but the people responsible.

* Click on the link and take a look at WI bowlers the last 10 years.

stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/i...results;type=bowling

* Fidel Edwards took the most wickets---148 in 50 tests----that's less than 3 wkts per test----very poor productivity.

* And an indication of how lame and poor WI bowling has been the past decade----the 2nd highest wicket taker has been Dwayne Bravo.

* We all know Bravo is a rank shythound----86 wkts in 40 tests---that's 2.15 wkts per test.

* Now you know why West Indies cricket is in the toilet.

* The region no longer produces quality bowlers---wicket takers---bowlers who can use their head as well as their arms when they bowl.


* Brain is a big part of being a quality bowler---quality bowlers must be able to assess and evaluate conditions and bowl appropriately.

* The WI has not produced a quality bowler since Ambrose and Walsh retired.

Rev

The point on gumption is a valid one.

Money is always a limiting factor but I am surprised the pitches have not had dedicated and sustained focus on soil quality and pitches even with consideration given to drop ins.

It is bewildering why guys like Powell, Best and Edwards did not have skills developed to swing, reverse swing, slow ball etc. These guys have the raw talent, in my view. From what I have seen, Taylor, Lawson, Rampaul and Holder are the best in recent times.

What has happened to Lawson?

* Lawson never overcame his chucking problems.

* Listen! When you read comments made by great fast bowlers---they always talk about the long hours they spent in the nets trying to perfect their trade.

* It's the will to practice---and practice perfectly---that determines the success on the cricket field.

* Bowlers like Edwards, Powell and Best had the raw talent---but what was lacking was the will to practice perfectly in order to become champion bowlers.

* And when it comes to actual match situations, great bowlers are very adept at appraising conditions and adjusting their bowling appropriately in order to maximize their bowling production.


* When you look at a guy like Best----he just runs in and bowls fast----there is very little thinking behind his bowling.

* 56 wickets by Best in 24 tests---that tells me all that I need to know about the kind of bowler---he is down right mediocre.

Rev

Fidel Edwards was a Nets bowler spotted by the great Lara ...

U did bid farewell ....whappen :

Playing dead to ketch Corbeau alive ? 

* Lara was hugely impressed by Fidel's pace and his slingy action.

* And on a bowler friendly wicket Fidel was dangerous.

* But Fidel remained a second rate bowler averaging less than 3 wickets per test because he was unable to perfect variety and incorporate the perfected variety into his bowling attack.

* Running in and bowling fast does not cut it----a bowlers needs variety----and has to be very adept at the variety in his arsenal.

Rev