Putting in ‘the hard work’ with an aim to prove a point post COVID-19

Batsman Bryion Bowen

The COVID-19 pandemic which has rocked the entire world has forced the cancellation of many sporting disciplines to indefinite dates in the future or to restarts an entire year hence; or even to outright cancellation of planned activities.
These developments have been tough for a young Bryion Bowen, who has been forced to spend months away from the game he loves. Nevertheless, he is putting in a lot of work in the areas of strength training and conditioning, so that when the cricketing season resumes, he would be fit and ready.

Eighteen-year-old Bryion Bowen plays for the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO). He is a right-handed batsman who usually takes to the crease as the # 5 or 6 position, and loves smacking the ball to all parts of the ground. He is also a medium-fast bowler with a decent reputation for picking up wickets. His love for the game comes from his idolising none other than explosive Jamaican batsman Andre Russell.
This publication asked Bowen how he has been able to cope with ‘the new normal’, and he said, “At first it was a bit challenging, as I was accustomed to going to training after work and pushing in that extra work late in the night. This then changed to me being at home missing the team; but I found a way to cope with it: I was able to focus my mind on doing home workouts, watching old clips, and really focusing on an overall improvement of myself.
“In terms of my workout routine, I do a lot of pushups, squats, abdominals, calf work, and lots of skipping. I am currently in the process of obtaining some weights, so that will be a plus in my routine,” he said.
Bowen disclosed that after the pandemic has passed, he is looking to improve his overall performances and show a bit more consistency in his game. He declared himself focused and ready for action, and said he is willing to “give his all” on the field as it is his dream not only to play for Guyana, but the West Indies.
“I know I can still make it with a lot of dedication, despite it won’t be easy. I know I fell behind in the past because of personal reasons, but I have the determination to go that extra mile. I live my life on Luke 1:37 (For with God nothing shall be impossible), but I know I can make it, despite what happened in the past,” Bowen explained.
Among the highlights of Bowen’s career is a score of 50 runs made against Everest in the GCB U17 50-over tournament. He also returned impressive bowling figures of 4-16 against Ace Warriors, besides taking a few three- wicket hauls in the Noble House Seafoods 2-day 2nd Division Tournament. He also had racked up a few thirty-plus scores in the GCB/Guyana Diabetic Association/Ministry of Public Health T20 Tournament against teams from the DCC and Transport; and he had managed to pick up a few three-wicket hauls in the said tournament.
He was also a participant in the recently concluded fast bowlers camp hosted by Neil Barry Jr.
Bowen has said he was particularly inspired by GCA Competitions Committee Chairman Shaun Massiah, who advised that during this isolation period, players should return to basic training, which includes the ball-and-sock routine.
“I agree with the ball-and-sock method 100%, as I have been doing this as well. Players such as Tendulkar and Kholi have done this in their younger days, and it paid off; and I know this will aid me in my timing when I’m batting.
“In terms of my bowling, strength training is a must, as this is beneficial to fast bowlers. As a fast bowler, you must be mentally and physically strong, and that is what I aim to do. So, whenever cricket resumes, I will be ready for action, and be aiming to give my all to achieve my dreams.”