Published: Oct 10, 2012, 12:47 AM (IST)
Edited: Oct 10, 2012, 12:47 AM (IST)
Andy Roberts reckons world cricket is at its strongest when West Indies is playing well © Getty Images
Mumbai: Oct 10, 2012
Former pacer Andy Roberts has urged ICC World Twenty20 2012 winners West Indies to transform their form in the other forms of the game.
“It is a good win. The year 2004 was the last time we won anything major (Champions Trophy in England) so it is nice,” he said.
“A lot of people are excited that finally we won something, but I don’t think too many people are optimistic about whether this team can transfer their 20-20 form to other forms of cricket.
“Twenty20 cricket is all about teams playing the best on that day or that session because you do not have time to recuperate in 20-20 games since it is so fast,” he added.
The former pacer emphasised on the need of being consistent, and also said that those who think the ICC World T20 triumph will change the situation, it will be a huge task.
“It is going to be a huge ask to herald in a new era. I am not so optimistic because I don’t think we have the depth in our cricket. It is very important to have the depth.
“I don’t view winning one tournament as success. We have to be consistent over a period of time. One, two, three, four, five good series means you are consistently playing well. You may not win, but what matters is you are consistently playing well and that is what I need to see,” Robers was quoted as saying by Mid-DAY.
Talking about Chris Gayle, who played a key role in the West Indies’ win, Roberts said, “Chris Gayle is a day-to-day player. On his day, he will destroy any attack in the world. But that is, on his day. And those days don’t come often enough.”
“That’s what West Indies cricket needs – the encouragement to work harder. Not just because we won a T20 title though, but we need to encourage younger people to start taking interest in their cricket once more.
The 61-year old concluded, “World cricket is at its strongest when West Indies is playing well.”
