IS it remotely possible that the legacy known as West Indies cricket is an object of the past — a fast fading memory to be desperately clung to — or, is it a cyclical matter that requires patience before its resurgence?

Should we romanticise those glorious moments generously gifted by the regional legends who bemusedly observe a new generation playing catch-up with the changing face of a sport that continues to elude them — a sport whose past immediacy facilitated much achievement?

Could it be that if the West Indies are to recoup those lofty heights, it will take much more than a change of captaincy, a change of administration or mere rhetoric? Is the equivalent of a lost culture — or the extinction of a rare species — being unceremoniously enacted before our very eyes?

Is it like the Chicago Bulls whose golden run of six NBA basketball titles in the 1990s is unlikely to be repeated because the great Michael Jordan has hung up his wings? Or is it like the Boston Celtics and LA Lakers whose illustrious traditions perpetually stimulate revival?

Is it like the Reggae Boyz, whose wide-eyed appearance in France in 1998 — like startling yellow-bedecked visitors from outer space — was at once a miracle and an act of destiny which occurs ‘once in a blue moon’?

A nod to the aforementioned could be an affirmation of the dilemma faced by West Indies cricket — symbolically manifested by the appointment of a captain with alleged impeccable commitment, but with a CV bereft of experience and genius credentials ahead of the anticipated tough tour of the sub-continent.

Yet, it is possible that West Indies cricket is about to turn the corner — not because of sentiments or any touch of chance, but for the following tangible reasons:

Firstly, relieved of the burden of leadership, and as an ‘elder statesman’ of the game, Chris Gayle could be on the verge of finding a new gear with his bat while lending crucial support to Daren Sammy.

For, while boasting a creditable average of close to 40 in Test cricket, it is commonly felt that the big left-hander is yet to achieve his optimum as a batsman and, with his wealth of experience, could be ripe for an explosion that could be the necessary injection at the top of the order.

Secondly, the all-round ability of Test rookie Andre Russell seems to know no bounds and, with the presence of the nippy Kemar Roach, could form an important alliance of which all fast-bowlers dream.

Indeed, Russell has for some time been signalling his readiness for the big times, having impressed on the ‘A’ team’s tour of England earlier this year, and returning to shine in the current regional one-dayers where he captured six wickets in the semi-final against Barbados and also picked up valuable runs and wickets in the earlier stages of the competition.

Then there’s the return of the talented Dwayne Bravo, the Trinidadian livewire who has evidently conquered his injury woes and will be anxious to signal his presence with both bat and ball, especially with younger brother Daren — whose flashy but organised batting style has drawn favourable comparisons with no other than Brian Lara — looking on and waiting in the wings.

Also, there is the inclusion of young Adrian Barath who, at age 19, became the youngest ever West Indian batsman to score a Test century, on the tour of Australia two years ago. The little Trinidadian is also returning from injury and will be seeking to forge an important opening partnership with Gayle throughout this tour, and beyond.

Perhaps the most significant inclusion in the touring party to Sri Lanka, however, is that of Jamaican wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh Jnr.

Having been subbed by the selectors for some six years, the pint-sized player has a wealth of experience and finally gets his chance with both bat and glove. For, it has always been the belief of a number of pundits that Baugh is a superior batsman to Denesh Ramdin who has finally been dropped after a long stretch of unproductivity.

Indeed, Baugh — who has close to 10 years experience at the first-class level — could be said to have gotten a raw deal over the years, made even more distinct by the refusal of the regional selectors to take only one ‘keeper on respective tours. This move ultimately cultivated complacency in Ramdin, while relegating other talented glovemen like Baugh to the fringes of the regional outfit.

In addition, Coach Otis Gibson, who is still relatively new in his job, should find it easier to communicate with the plethora of fresh talent at his disposal.

With a relatively inexperienced group of players eager to impress, Gibson’s voice could finally be amplified, with the possibility of him being a mite uncomfortable in taking over in the presence of an ‘old guard’ set in their ways a distinct possibility.

Finally, the truth is that all is not lost with West Indies cricket, and in fact, just when we thought we could sink no further, the dangling carrot is the chance to move up the Test rankings — ahead of Pakistan — if indeed we perform creditably in the upcoming series.