The Berbice Cricket Board’s (BCB) Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh 5-day cricket academy commenced on Tuesday last at the Albion Community Centre Ground with 70 of that county’s best junior cricketers in attendance.
BCB players and coaches along with Devandra Bishoo at the Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh cricket academy
On the second day of the academy, former West Indies leg-spinner Devandra Bishoo graced the academy with his presence, and offered some important advice to the participants. Having gained experience from participating in 36 Test matches and 42 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for the West Indies, Bishoo was able to advise those at this academy to enjoy every bit of training, and the cricket on offer.
He was keen to emphasise the importance of training as he shared on his journey in cricket. “Growing up, I always wanted to play cricket; and nothing beats when you are getting paid for something you love”, Bishoo declared.
Bishoo described as average his junior years as a player, but said he was always among the wickets, especially at inter-county level. Having last played international cricket in March 2019, the leg-spinner explained that the transition from under-19 to senior cricket is very challenging.
“I worked harder, and (Sewnarine) Chattergoon told me (that) at least two good seasons for Guyana at the senior level may give you a shot at West Indies’ selection”, Bishoo disclosed.
Head Coach of this BCB academy, Cricket West Indies’ Level Three Coach Winston Smith, said: “This academy includes the best players from Berbice at the under-13, under-15, under-17 and under-19 levels”, and this academy will help the players to play cricket at a higher level, since he and his coaching team will offer everyone an advanced level of coaching.
Berbice Cricket Board’s (BCB’s) Public Relations Officer, Director of the Academy, Simon Naidu, explained that this academy will get the youths’ fitness levels up to par as they prepare for the upcoming Inter-county season in 2020.
Besides Smith, quality personnel Delbert Hicks, Balram Samaroo, Leslie Solomon and Ameer Rahaman are overseeing academy.
BCB President, Hilbert Foster, was at the opening ceremony on Tuesday last, and for 90 minutes, spoke to the participants of the academy.
He emphasised the importance of listening and learning, advising them that the BCB is investing heavily in the future of young cricketers, and they should embrace the opportunity to develop themselves. He also discussed the history of Berbice Cricket, and spoke on peer pressure and basic public manners.
The academy concludes on Saturday, August 17, when the BCB will honour top achievers at a special closing ceremony.
Foster and his BCB team are expressing gratitude to Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh for the US $2000 he has invested in staging the academy. (Brandon Corlette)
