Politics, injuries, selection intrigue -- the West Indies may be gradually rising again, as the Australian tour confirmed, but they are not without their difficulties to overcome. Thoroughly outplayed and roundly criticised in the first three Tests, the West Indies ultimately took some encouragement out of the series with a world record run chase in the fourth.
Similarly beaten when it mattered in the ODIs, they at least showed the character to fight back, snapping Australia's winning streak and going on to inflict three successive losses on the World Cup champions.
Brian Lara's return as captain started with former captain Carl Hooper's surprise withdrawal, Chris Gayle's controversial omission and injury to vice-captain Sarwan. The flat nature of the pitches used made the merit or otherwise of performances difficult to assess -- the West Indies' relative batting success (seven individual hundreds) was tempered by the anaemic state of their bowling, unable to check the rampant Australian batsmen until the final stages.
Here's how the West Indian players rated:
Brian Lara: A
All we heard about was how Australia had plans to stop him; all he did was keep making runs as only Lara can. Scored hundreds in Guyana and Trinidad (his first at home), his battle with Lee on fourth morning a series highlight, and could have made more were it not for a couple of unlucky dismissals. Kept spirits up enough that West Indies were able to take consolation wins out of both series.
Ramnaresh Sarwan: B
One of the batsmen who will be responsible for West Indies' revival. Missed first Test with a finger injury and failed to capitalise on good starts in next two before spirited hundred in the fourth (his second of career) helped win match for West Indies. Just needs to bat for longer.
Devon Smith: C-
Grenadian opener played all four Tests in debut series. Showed some promise with second-innings 62 on debut after bad decision in first innings, but developed a penchant for being caught behind pushing at the ball. Got dropped after first three ODIs and will probably fight with Hinds for Test berth against Sri Lanka.
Wavell Hinds: C+
Dropped after first two Tests to accommodate return of Gayle, Hinds revived his fortunes with unbeaten hundreds in last two ODIs to win man of the series. Played with inhibition in the Tests, falling three times to spinners, but got back to natural game in the ODIs.
Daren Ganga: B-
An inconsistent series -- two impressive back-to-back hundreds in his first Tests on home soil were followed by several failures against the Aussie quicks. Technically correct and batted with resolve, but missed an opportunity to turn a good series into a great one.
Chris Gayle: B
Political turmoil over selection issues cost powerful and talented opener the first half of the Test series, which he immediately demonstrated was a mistake on the part of selectors with twin half-centuries upon return. Fell cheaply in last Test but had consistent ODI series. Surprisingly effective with the ball.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul: B
In turns enigmatic, brilliant and injury-prone, as per usual. Made extraordinary, out-of-character hundred off 69 balls in first Test (third fastest ever), pulled out of second Test at last minute with knee injury, then caught first ball in third. Was off the field in fourth Test with finger injury, yet still made brilliant hundred to steer West Indies home. That's Chanderpaul.
Marlon Samuels: D
A disappointment. Out to lazy shots in first Test, rebounded with 68 in second before being dropped for Chanderpaul. Looked disinterested at times in the field, and only marginally better in the ODIs.
Ridley Jacobs: B
Courageous veteran keeper battled through thigh injury for unbeaten fifty in first Test. Came back in fourth and was given out first ball in run chase, caught off the arm. Replaced Baugh after four ODIs.
Carlton Baugh: B
Promising rookie keeper who replaced injured Jacobs in middle two Tests. Showed composure with bat and gloves. Selected first for the ODIs before being dropped after four games.
Mervyn Dillon: D
Experienced spearhead lacked penetration and discipline throughout Tests. Could not maintain consistent line and length when his status meant he should have been showing inexperienced team-mates the way. Dropped for third Test before coming back in fourth. Lara needed more from him. Moderate ODI form.
Vasbert Drakes: C
Veteran medium pacer not suited by lifeless bowling conditions. Would have fared better in support role rather than being relied on as wicket-taker. At least appreciated the value of consistency against dominating Australians, and had best economy rate of main bowlers. Ineffective in ODIs.
Jermaine Lawson: C+
The fastest of the West Indians, Lawson's action was under suspicion all series and it was just unfortunate he was reported only after taking seven wickets in last Test. With remedial action there is no reason why he should not come back and continue to prosper. Back injury prevented him from bowling after breakthrough seven-wicket haul.
Pedro Collins: D-
Not a series in which WI pacemen distinguished themselves, and Collins was no different. Had his moments, but generally too erratic and undisciplined against top quality batsmen on unhelpful wickets. Dropped after two Tests.
Tino Best: D
Rookie Barbadian speedster carried reputation for pace and volatile temperament but did not appear overly quick nor impressive in only Test. Got carried away with short ball in first spell and took 0/99 from 20 overs.
Omari Banks: B-
Never can a spinner who conceded over 200 on debut have received so much praise. It's understandable. While Banks was hardly an immediate success, his maturity and character with both bat and ball was enough to suggest he has a future. Had several catches dropped off his bowling and played match-clinching knock of 47 not out in final Test.
Dave Bernard Jnr: D
Medium-pace all-rounder bizarrely selected for second Test when West Indies needed a spinner. Did nothing with the bat and his little-used bowling was targeted by the Australians.
Ricardo Powell: C
One-day specialist showed only glimpses of the big-hitting potential that makes him one of the most exciting batsmen around. Promoted to open in a couple of run chases but otherwise occupied usual middle-order berth.
Corey Collymore: C
Only a medium pacer these days, Collymore started the ODI series as first change bowler before sharing the new ball with Dillon thereafter. Only six wickets for series, but dismissed Gilchrist and Maher early in taking 2/25 in West Indies' first win in game five.
Ryan Hurley: D
Used as a substitute fielder from time to time, off-spinner Hurley played just two games and made little impression, injuring a shoulder taking a diving catch off Maher in fifth game.
