Across the board: We can return to glory days

The West Indies have been comprehensively embarrassed by a much more powerful and focussed side, Australia winning midway through the third day - requiring only just over half of the allotted time for this Test and giving Australia 11 consecutive Test victories to equal the record-winning streak held by the West Indies team from 1983-84 to 1984-85. The win gives Australia a 1-0 lead in this five-Test series. Cricinfo commentary, end of the first Test, West Indies vs Australia in Brisbane

AT the time of writing this is the all-too-familiar position in which our West Indies team finds itself - backs to the wall once again. It would have taken a super human effort to reverse an Australian victory and unfortunately we could not do it and thus we succumbed by an innings and 126 runs. Yes, we are already 1-0 down in the five-Test series but all hope is definitely not lost.

There have been some good moments in this match and we must hold on to them and build upon them if we are to match Australia. Take Marlon Black's encouraging Test debut of four for 83 and Mervyn Dillon's three for 79 in Australia's first innings. Then there was Shivnarine Chanderpaul's 62 not out in our second innings.

It's a great fillip to see him returning to form. These are all positive signs and if we can only get more of our squad to emulate these efforts we are capable of turning things around.

The next three months will prove some of the most difficult for our cricketers and only the fittest will survive.

Those who expect to survive must be prepared to face the Aussies head-on and attack when necessary while keeping a level head. Traditionally, the West Indian way has been to dominate so even when faced with adversity we must go down fighting. Once we start fighting again, at some point, our fighting will bear fruit.

Our on-field fortunes will not change overnight and it's important we understand that what is happening is part of a cyclical process that nearly every sports team experiences at some time. However, we must dedicate ourselves to overcoming our current crisis and regaining our former status in world cricket.

Hurtful

It is quite hurtful to hear some of our own past cricketing greats decry the current senior side though one can understand how heavy their hearts must feel knowing the legacy of West Indies cricket. As another proud West Indies record of 11 consecutive Test wins stands in jeopardy of being broken, it would perhaps do us well to be mindful of the Windward Islands in recent times as we contemplate our future.

Before this year's Red Stripe Bowl, the Windwards had been in the wilderness of regional cricket for more than a decade. Quietly and with determination, they regrouped and began coaching programmes at various levels. Now they are back, seeking to exact revenge on all who beat up on them in their lean years.

The story is similar for Australia, England and other teams which were at the West Indies' mercy during our 20-year reign as the kings of international cricket.

They have worked and worked until they narrowed the gap and subsequently surpassed us. Now, we are seeing how the shoe feels on the other foot and none of us likes it. Therefore, the duty is ours to pull our cricket out of this mire - whatever it takes - and steadfastly reclaim our place among the best in the world.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has recognised the need for improvements at all levels and various development programmes are now in place. Specialist training camps for batting, bowling and wicket-keeping; fitness and conditioning clinics for both cricketers and coaches and fielding and throwing clinics are just some of the new initiatives. Kiddy Cricket and the proposed cricket academy are being developed to help the youngsters.

The answer is not for us to run and hide. Other cricket-playing nations did not do so when they were taking their licks and we will not either.

Ignore the harsh suggestion from one of our former fast bowlers that we should withdraw from the ongoing series and international cricket for two years and let's concentrate on what needs to be done to bring our team back to the top.

There is a lot of young talent in Caribbean cricket and it is for us to ensure resources are in place for potential Test cricketers to hone their skills.

The boys of today will be the men of tomorrow and with the right tutelage and attitude they can ensure that West Indies cricket shines once again. So, rather than lament let's work towards turning these current poor performances into resounding victories for the West Indies.