West Indian disappointment at the regional team’s loss to England in the ICC Cricket World Cup on Thursday is understandable.

After all, the West Indies were just 22 runs away from victory with four wickets standing and lots of balls to spare when all those wickets fell for just four runs. In such circumstances, it makes no sense reminding emotional fans that the West Indies had actually recovered from 150-6 when that final collapse occurred. Or that the wearing pitch was increasingly difficult for batsmen as the game progressed — the very expectation which influenced England to bat first on winning the toss.

No matter what excuses are given, the inescapable fact is that with greater composure West Indies would have won the game.

The situation now means that the West Indies must hope that South Africa play to form and beat Bangladesh early today. Failing which, Mr Darren Sammy’s men must beat home team India tomorrow in order to go through to the quarter final round.

We can all say with good reason: “It should never have come to this.” And yet, if we are to be honest with ourselves — discarding emotionalism in the process — it will be recognised that the West Indies have actually played far better in this tournament than had been widely anticipated.

Caribbean stocks were so low entering the tournament that Bangladesh — traditionally considered the minnows in Test-match playing countries — were better placed in the ICC team rankings.

So when South Africa walloped the West Indies in their opening game of the tournament it was all according to script. The popular feeling after that was that not just Bangladesh but ‘minnows’ Netherlands and Ireland were in with a real shot at conquering the once mighty West Indies.

The raised expectations entering the game against England and the subsequent bitter disappointment reflect the unexpectedly high level of cricket played by the West Indies in the intervening period since the opening loss to South Africa.

Far from being despondent, this newspaper feels West Indians should take heart from their team’s performance to date. We are especially pleased with what we have seen from the newcomers. In the loss against England, for example, Messrs Andre Russell and Devendra Bishoo — the latter on debut — showed not just talent but determination, courage and composure under pressure.

We have already seen the promise of others, equally young, such as Messrs Darren Bravo, Kemar Roach and Adrian Barath. Add to that the obvious talent of some of the younger players now on show in the regional tournament and we believe there is good reason for optimism.

In fact, this newspaper believes there should be a bright future ahead for West Indies cricket — provided the process is managed properly. Over to you, West Indies Cricket Board.