A side for the future

1. Chris Gayle (capt), 2 Devon Smith, 3 Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 4 Marlon Samuels, 5 Runako Morton, 6 Dwayne Bravo, 7 Dwayne Smith, 8 Darren Sammy, 9 Dinesh Ramdin (wk), 10 Ravi Rampaul, 11 Daren Powell.

Finally. Even before the West Indies secured their first victory on tour, I thought that this was a side that could finally win a game. The XI had a refreshing look to it and this was translated into the fielding and batting yesterday at the Oval, Powell apart. For once the West Indies looked like they wanted to win something. Or could it be the old 20-minute attention span thing in class, where the West Indies are prone to the same after 20 overs? Nevertheless, this young side could be together for a long while yet. And if that's the case, who is to say that the West Indies can't be the team to dominate in the 2010s like they did in the 70s and 80s?

Big-hitting podcast

A fast-paced podcast this week with the next few weeks being dominated by Twenty20 action. Click here.

We've got Andy Flower on the art of placement in the 20-over affair, Goochie explores the benefits of the tournament and there's also a feature on Kerry Packer, the billionaire magnate who instigated night cricket, coloured clothing and cash in the pocket's of the world's best cricketers in the late Seventies.

Twenty20 sparks domestic comp

Recent domestic cricket posts have sparked some interesting feedback, not least from Dave at Harrowdrive.

He informs me of a new national Twenty20 Premier League competition which starts in June. Sponsored by North Gear, a clothing manufacturer, clubs pay an entrance fee in return for kit and a chance to appear in front of the Sky Sports cameras when the final takes place in September.

Let's hope it takes off and becomes a regular fixture. I am a real advocate of these competitions and always cover the minor Finals of the Village and Cockspur Cups at Lord's.

It's always a great day for fans - entrance is usually free - and you get a real feel from the players that whatever else they achieve on the cricket field, it just won't beat playing at the home of cricket.

Better with age

Graham Gooch managed 6000 runs in his thirties and it looks like the former England captain's adage of "I just got better with age" has rubbed off on more recent county stalwarts. We've already heard about Graeme Hick in this column and now it's the turn of Surrey's Mark Ramprakash.

Not content with stripping off his shirt and waving it around his head in celebration earlier this year, he's only gone past 2,000 runs this season, which includes a triple ton. Amazing, but then speak to any of his colleagues (or read his diary from last year's campaign) and it is no surprise he has achieved the landmark at his age. Technically brilliant, he clearly still has the drive to succeed at the highest level.

Essex's 38-year-old Andy Flower is another who is in a rich vein of form having scored a big double ton recently, and what's to say one of these two won't hand out the same punishment in the fast-paced environment of the Twenty20 finals tomorrow?

Heads up

"That's coming up towards us." No, it's not another South African fan's cry during Herschelle Gibbs' amazing knock against Australia, but close enough. This was the retort of Welsh commentator Edward Bevan after glamorgan batsman Richard Grant bludgeoned one towards the comms box during a Twenty20 match this week.

The ball smashed through the glass which cut the scorer's arm. "He [Byron Davies] being the true professional didn't move of course - he was keeping the score - but it came right through the window."

It reminds me of the Twenty20 World Classic which Nobok reported on back in April. Protea Steven Jack smashed an unbelievable ton off 40 balls, including four sixes which came within an inch each time of smashing my Bermudan colleagues laptop.