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Cricket Year in Review 2021: Windies flop at World Cup, Red Force dominate and Bravo says farewell - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

WEST Indies failed to impress at the T20 World Cup, a West Indies 'Champion' signed off on a stellar international career and a star-studded TT Red Force blew away the opposition on their way to the Super50 regional title. It all happened in 2021.

The sporting world, including West Indies and TT cricket, continued to be affected by the covid19 pandemic but enough events were still held making it an entertaining year.

WINDIES FLOP AT T20 WORLD CUP

West Indies entered the 2021 International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and Oman with one of the strongest teams, at least on paper.

The tournament was held from October 17-November 14.

The calibre of players could not deliver performances that matched their experience and track record.

Captain Kieron Pollard, vice-captain Nicholas Pooran, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis and Lendl Simmons were among the players on the team.

Many former players criticised the team chosen. Some questioned the selection of 42-year-old Gayle and others.

Jason Holder, who was initially overlooked, eventually made it into the 15-man squad after fast bowler Obed McCoy picked up an injury.

Sherfane Rutherford, Odean Smith and Sunil Narine did not meet the Cricket West Indies fitness standard.

Rutherford and Smith both impressed during the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament.

West Indies could only muster one win in five matches in group one of the Super 12. The group included England, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

It was the worst possible start for Pollard's team as they were all out for 55 in 14.2 overs against England.

England wrapped up a comfortable six-wicket victory.

An eight-wicket defeat against South Africa followed which meant West Indies were already facing elimination. Only the top two teams in each group qualified for the semifinals.

West Indies escaped with a three-run win over Bangladesh, but defeats against Sri Lanka and Australia followed which ended their campaign.

West Indies only scored more than 150 runs on two occasions and the bowlers also struggled to grab wickets. In five matches, the Windies bowlers snatched 16 wickets out of a possible 50.

DJ BRAVO SAYS GOODBYE

Dwayne Bravo, 38, played his last match for West Indies when he lined up against Australia at the T20 World Cup.

It marked the end of an international career that started in 2004.

Following his final match for West Indies, Bravo said, 'I think I had a fairly decent enough career to walk away from the game…I am very grateful to represent the West Indies for so long.'

Nicknamed DJ Bravo and the Champion, Bravo played the game with energy that was unmatched.

Bravo wants to continue playing franchise cricket for a few more years.

Recalling a few of his best moments for West Indies, Bravo said, 'I have a few (memories) obviou

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