West Indies issue emergency SOS to greats after humiliating Test result against Australia

The West Indies have issued an ‘emergency’ SOS to nation greats, less than a day after their third Test humiliation against Australia.

The West Indies have issued an SOS to three of their all-time greats in the wake of their humiliating third Test annihilation.

Not even 24 hours on from their side being bowled out for 27 by Australia, narrowly avoiding the lowest total in Test history, Cricket West Indies president Kishore Shallow penned an open letter in which he revealed that he had reached out to legendary trio Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards and Brian Lara to help solve their batting crisis.

While the second innings embarrassment in Jamaica was the nadir, the Windies’ troubles with the bat have been longstanding.

Of the XI that lost at Sabina Park, John Campbell is the Windies’ highest-ranked Test batter in the official ICC rankings, at No.78.

“As an immediate step, I have advised the chair of the cricket strategy and officiating committee to convene an emergency meeting to review the recent Test series against Australia, particularly the final match,” Shallow wrote.

The West Indies have issues an emergency SOS to nation greats. Picture: Ricardo Mazalan

“To strengthen the discussions, I have extended invitations to three of our greatest batsmen ever: Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards, and Brian Lara. They will join past greats Dr. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Dr. The Most Honourable Desmond Haynes, Ian Bradshaw, who already serve on the committee.

“This engagement is not ceremonial. These are men who helped define our golden eras, and their perspectives will be invaluable as we shape the next phase of our cricket development. We intend for this gathering to result in tangible, actionable recommendations.

“Consistent with my message over the last weeks, this is a moment that calls for collaboration, not division. We need everyone on board: fans, players, coaches, legends, and administrators, if we are to truly move forward.

“There is much work to be done. But we must do it with purpose, and we must do it together.”

The Windies reached 200 only once across the three Tests against Australia, albeit no Aussie passed 71 in an individual innings either in a series that was dominated by the ball.

Australia’s 3-0 series win continued the Aussies’ three-decade long stranglehold over the Frank Worrell Trophy. It is unclear when the Windies will next have a chance to win back the silverware.

“Like every West Indian cricket fan, I felt the pain of our recent Test defeat to Australia. The result hurts deeply, not only because of how we lost, but because of what West Indies cricket has always represented to our people: pride, identity, and possibility,” Shallow wrote.

“There will be some sleepless nights ahead for many of us, including the players, who I know feel this loss just as heavily. But while disappointment is natural, we must not allow this moment to define our journey.”

The West Indies were all out for 27 runs. Picture: Randy Brooks / AFP

Scott Boland completed a hat-trick. Picture: Ricardo Mazalan

Shallow and his board was last week accused of “nepotism” by former Windies star Jeff Dujon, who said that coach Daren Sammy should not have replaced his predecessor Andre Coley in what Dujon suggested was a case of inter-island favouritism. The Windies have also been rocked during the series by allegations of serious sexual offences levelled against one of their players.

“We are in a rebuilding phase, steadily investing in the next generation, and reigniting the spirit that has long made West Indies cricket a force in the world,” Shallow added in the letter.

“Progress is rarely straightforward. It takes time, perseverance, and belief, especially in our most difficult moments. The road ahead will test us, but I have faith in the talent and commitment of our players when they apply themselves.

“We have already seen encouraging signs, particularly with the ball. Our batters are keen, but now must be even more deliberate as they work to improve.

“Now is not the time to turn away. Now is the time to stand even closer as a people. These are the moments that shape us.”

Originally published as West Indies issue emergency SOS to greats after humiliating Test result against Australia