Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
The West Indians will curse the weather gods and coach John Dyson for spoiling an almost fairytale ending to their cricket season.
A stupid mistake by Dyson proved expensive in the end as the West Indies lost the one-day series 2-3 to England when the result should have been reversed. That Duckworth/Lewis one run miscalculation with the West Indies well on course for victory was too big a price to pay. Still, the West Indies can look back and reflect with pride because they did well in both the Tests and one-dayers. The spark was back. Though the aggression of old was consigned to the history books, the West Indians showed fight and spirit rarely seen in over two decades.
In the Tests, England always had the upper hand at the start. But the West Indies showed resilience and clawed their way back from difficult situations.
This was illustrated when tailenders Darren Powell and Fidel Edwards played out time to save a Test against all odds.
The fact that two West Indian fast bowlers put in an effort with the bat underlined a new determination.
Captain Chris Gayle lived up to his promise of delivering the West Indies into a new era. His laidback approach seems to suit the young West Indian side.
They united well and were willing to give everything for him. Half of Gayle's work was done there.
The left-hander did not disappoint with the bat either. He got the team off to flying starts in the one-dayers and put his head down when it mattered in the Tests.
Relieved of the vice-captaincy, Ramnaresh Sarwan was back in form and showed consistency. With Shivnaraine Chanderpaul continuing his good work with the bat, the best batsmen in the West Indian team came good together which made a big difference.
The number four slot is still of some concern as Ryan Hinds failed to capitalise on his chances. The talented Lendl Simmons may well get a longer run in that position in the future.
Edwards and Jerome Taylor provided the inspiration with the ball. Taylor's spell in the first Test was one the best seen by a West Indian in recent times.
Nagged by injury, Edwards rose above that to bowl with fire and menace. Though the wickets column did not do him justice, Edwards rattled the batsmen with the short stuff and softened them up for the others to strike.
Edwards was the epitome of what the new West Indies was all about. It is hoped that this spirit will envelop other young West Indies cricketers in the future.
The road ahead for the West Indies looks rosy. The team must deliver consistently now to consolidate and keep their confidence going. Their tour to England will be crucial and will provide the answers.
