New stock of fast bowlers on the horizon

A new stock of fast bowlers should emerge in the next few years to serve St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Windwards and the West Indies.

That was the purpose of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association, when it brought together fourteen young fast bowlers to embark on a coaching clinic.{{more}}

The fifteen-week clinic concluded last Tuesday with a ceremony at the administrative centre at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Former West Indies fast bowler Nixon McLean, who conceptualised the idea and was the main facilitator, said that he was pleased with the quick response by the cricket association to his idea.

Mc Lean, who played in 19 test matches and bagged 44 wickets, said that the fast bowling cupboard was bare, both on the local and regional level, hence his insistence on the clinic.

A reflective Mc Lean said that youngsters stood up to the rigorous paces over the past three and a half months.

Mc Lean, who also played for the Windwards, Kwazulu Natal in South Africa, as well as Hampshire and Somerset in the English County championship, was not satisfied that the job was complete, and requested follow up programmes by the local association.

He urged the young prospects to grab with both hands offered to them. He highlighted that they were in better position than when he started to play for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Mc Lean referred to the fact that present day selectees for St. Vincent and the Grenadines training squad are paid to a small stipend to attend practice sessions.

Mc Lean, 34, with the experience of 45 one-day internationals, taking 46 wickets, also listed the improved facilities at the Arnos Vale Playing Field and the exposure to apparatus such as a bowling machine as further evidence that young cricketers are blessed.

He told the prospective fast bowlers: “Put in the hard work It is one of the hardest jobs. Treat it with dedication.”

Also speaking at last Tuesday’s closing ceremony was President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association Julian Jack, who indicated that the fast bowling clinic will be followed by other courses in batting, wicket keeping and spin bowling.

Jack said that his Association will be taking a hands on approach towards the development of cricket in the state.

He said that the local cricket body is looking favourably at taking over the administration of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Academy as another way of ensuring that the development of cricket here is charted properly.

During the fifteen weeks, it was not all about fast bowling, as the participants had lectures on how to deal with the media, a history of fast bowling in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, mixing sports and academics among others.

They were also exposed to the expertise of former West Indies fast bowler Curtley Ambrose, who spent two days here assisting Mc Lean. (RT)