– continue practising in a
Covid-compliant environment
By Timothy Jaikarran
The COVID-19 pandemic continues its rampage in Guyana with its 3rd wave affecting the young and healthy. In response, the Georgetown Cricket Association has done the responsible thing by ending all cricket activities until a time deemed appropriate.
This 3rd wave of the pandemic continues to rack up numbers surprisingly quickly. In certain instances, there have been as many as 153 COVID-positive cases in one day.
The recently elected GCA committee
President of the Georgetown Cricket Association, Neil Barry Snr, has noted that, with the spike in coronavirus cases, the associations would not restart cricket but would await the guidelines of the COVID-19 Task Force.
In an interview with this publication, Barry had this to say, “The GCA has taken the decision to suspend all cricketing activities that fall under its remit, and would be following the guidelines of the National COVID-19 Task Force to inform its plans going forward.
“Cricket, whether playing or training, is an interactive sport, and, as such, a cautious and patient approach is necessary at this time. The GCA will continue to urge its members to adhere to the guidelines published and prioritise the safety of its membership and players. The executive will have further discussions, and would inform all concerned as to the best course of action that can be instituted to ensure a safe return to cricket playing.”
The GCA boss has deemed the pandemic a disappointing situation that is beyond human control, and he said all that can be done is to urge compliance to the guidelines and for everyone to trust that science can lead the world out of this dreadful virus.
Further, he relayed that young players would have to first understand the gravity of the situation, and ensure that they take all necessary precautions to protect themselves as they go about their daily lives.
Barry has reiterated that as it pertains to training and keeping fit, there are many online training and fitness programmes that players can access and use in the safety of their homes, or in wide open spaces where physical distancing is possible.
He related that while the pandemic has been with us for over a year, and necessity has driven innovation, which is available for persons to access digitally, the GCA Cricket Development Committee will meet to assess the new developments and develop programmes that would be distributed to GCS member clubs.
Barry is encouraging bowlers and batsmen to use this isolation period to work out whatever issues they have in their game. He also implored them all to return to the old ways of ‘ball and string’, as it would give them an avenue to practice in a safe way.
“Fitness is the key, therefore they must maintain that. Also, the use of a ball suspended on a string can allow them to do batting drills safely at home. Most of the older cricketers are aware of these initiatives, and also they can communicate with their coaches and seek guidance from members of the GCA Cricket Development Committee.
“Bowlers, too, can use the opportunity, if they have the space to do spot bowling, to iron out issues with their run up etc.” Barry opined.
