Legendary West Indian pacer Sir Anderson
Roberts, opening batsman Desmond Haynes,
who is still considered one of the best the
world has seen, the dodged and successful
middle-order batsman, James Adams, and Barbadian-born
England player, Roland Butcher, captivated a
young audience of budding Berbican cricketers and
their parents. The quartet spoke at an April 24, 2022
interactive session organised by the Berbice Cricket
Board (BCB) at the Albion Sports Complex.
According to Hilbert Foster, current BCB President,
the aim of the “life/career-building” engagement was
for the youngsters to pick the minds of four persons
who had either successful international or regional
careers, as to allow the young players to understand
the kind of sacrifice it takes to play the sport at a
high level.
Sir Andy, who is considered the father of modern
West Indian fast bowling, took 287 international
wickets, and the 71-year-old was vehement that “it is
hard work being a fast-bowler. It is the hardest job.”
The Antiguan exclaimed that while a lot of attention is placed on having
strong shoulders, it is important to develop a “firm core” to prolong
longevity and consistency in the art. He also emphasised the need for
players to read about the game and constantly ask questions.
Haynes, the Barbadian blaster at the top of the order, made a bold
remark: “I always knew I would have played for West Indies”, and he
said it in the context that he knew the only that was possible was if he
worked hard and believed in his talent.
Jimmy Adams offered immense advice to the players, coaches and their
families. Retiring with averages over 41 in both Tests and One-Day Internationals,
Haynes indicated that he didn’t have the best of starts as a youngster
and it only goes to show it is more about will and determination rather
than the start one has to his/her career.
From a technical standpoint, the now Cricket West Indies Lead Selector
felt it was important for players to understand their strengths and
weakness early and do continuous work to develop efficiency.
It is a similar train of thought Adams, the now CWI Director of Cricket,
imparted in one of the youngsters, Adrian Hetmyer, nephew of Shimron
Hetmyer.
The former West Indies captain was questioned on what he
did to score Test centuries – six of them – and bat for long
hours. The answer? It starts with repetition and training in nets.
“You can’t bat for two hours in a match by training for
two hours, you have to put in more work,” the Jamaican
underscored.
According to the left-hander, it was important for players to
practice long hours outside of the club or national team net
sessions. He revealed that he saved money and bought balls,
and even paid guys to bowl at him so he can bat for three to
four hours before or after the structured practice sessions.
Additionally, Adams underscored that the onus is on players and
their coaches to craft a plan for success. He also said parents
are equally important in the support factor, especially as regards
nutrition since maintaining a high fitness level is linked to what
players eat. Meanwhile, Butcher secured his place in history when he became
the first black player to represent England, making his Test debut
at Bridgetown in 1981. He went on to play three Tests and three
ODIs, but has a wealth of First-Class and List A experience.
In November 2004 he was appointed Director of Sports at the
University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus in Barbados, and
for this reason, he spoke on the importance of fusing cricket and
academics.
With the harsh reality that not every player will
either play international cricket or have a prolonged
run, it is important to plot life after the sport.
One consensus across the learned group of men is
fitness is equally important as talent and all players
should strive to excel in both areas to allow them
the best chance to consistently perform at high
levels in pressure situations.
Source Akeem Greene newsroom Guyana.