The Independent Voice of West Indies Cricket
a straight shootout between them against Italy to decide who will play at least the 1st match in the super8's or has Sammy already decided? ....strictly on bowling my preference is Forde cos ultimately the team that bowls the best will lift the đ ....at times i think Shep will concede more runs from his bowling (even from 1 or 2 overs) than he makes with the bat ...we have enough batting also Forde is quite capable with bat!
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@CCW
Shep has bowled surprisingly well this world cup (2nd highest wicket taker behind Jason) and hasn't been needed much with the bat but could be required deeper in the tournament.
Because of his niggle, I think he will be rested for Forde against Italy, with the aim of having him fully fit for the super 8s. Forde may not be effective in the super 8s clashes as there are no morning games, so there will be less swing for him to work with.
@Seechy
Ok i take ur point regarding the night games an less swing fuh Forde but assuming Shep is rested against Italy an Forde performs well would you still prefer Shep against Zim bearing in mind at that point he wouldn't have played fuh almost 2 weeks??
@CCW
Shepherd is a must play in t20 because of his bat. I don't believe there is even a competition for his spot now.
Very important point is that the rest of our games are at night.
Forde's bowling is ineffective at night.
@TanteMerle
maybe so but by the time of the next match Shep wouldn't have played fuh nearly 2 weeks so perhaps no choice but to stick with Forde!
@methodic
Shep may be a nose in front in the bowling as he is more effective in the middle overs than Forde. Once there is some assistance, Forde is pretty deadly but we have also seen Shep bowl some remarkable spells (although rarely). Both are pretty hopeless as death bowlers. My conclusion, 6 of one, half a dozen of the other but if we are depending on swinging a bat, I think Forde is now more reliable than Shep who comes off once in a blue moon.
Or how about keeping both and dropping Chase.
Thinking outside the box, we could consider dropping Powell or King
@DIEHARD
King got injured while attempting a catch vs Italy.....
Next match against Zimbabwe in Mumbai.... spin pitch...West Indies players apart from Hope and Hety...no clue against spin... Cremer, Reza,Mazakaza,Burl...16 overs of spin.... Chase can bat vs spin....as he did vs Rashid in England match...
King injury is blessing in disguise...
Both Forde and Shepherd plays..
A makeshift opener...Motie,Akeal,Forde, Holder,Shepherd...
Moreover,we need an offie... Chase got big wicket of Butler...
Infact, Forde batted at top....in one of the match....
Hope
Holder/Motie
Hety
Chase
Rutherford
Powell
Shepherd
Forde
Akeal
Joseph
My choice Holder or Motie as opener.....both can hit long...play both fast and spin...
If top order perform....then Rutherford or Powell comes ahead of Chase....early wickets...Chase needed to stabilize...