“Environment in Guyana right for producing international cricketers” – Reifer

– 4 Day performance crucial to international career

By Clifton Ross

Guyana Jaguars all-rounder and West Indies Test selectee Raymon Reifer wants to cement a permanent spot in the Test team and plans to use every opportunity to strengthen his case.
The Barbados-born Reifer is currently entering his 4th season with the reigning 4-day champs after being selected by the franchise back in 2013 to be a part of the ‘family,’ a move Reifer says he has not regret. “The past four years playing for Guyana has been a crucial part of my career, it gave me the opportunity to

showcase my skills and I’m thankful for that.”
Reifer, who on Tuesday was named in the West Indies Test squad ahead of their series versus Zimbabwe which bowls off on October 15, was first selected to the Test team back in August as part of the squad to face England at home but only played a few warm up games for the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President’s XI versus the likes of Pakistan, Leicestershire, Kent and England.
Grateful for Test selection despite not playing, Reifer credited the structure of Guyana’s cricket as well as the work put in by Coaches Rayon Griffith and Esuan Crandon as some of the main reasons he was able to fulfill his dream.
“That was my dream, (playing for West Indies) and ensuring I get there and stay there because it’s a place you definitely want to be. Also, coaches Griffith and Crandon have been crucial in our success over the last 3 years. They believed that we could win and they have created an environment that is free and one where players can learn and be the best they can,” Reifer added.
Guyana currently have a strong base of players who have tasted international experience over the past few years with Vishaul Singh, young Shimron Hetmyer and Reifer himself being the latest additions to the West Indies’ international makeup. Reifer says the environment here in Guyana is currently the best in the Caribbean and one that has been reaping the rewards of producing numerous players at the international levels as of recent.
“I think the environment in Guyana is right for producing international cricketers and I think we will continue to produce great players for Guyana and West Indies like we have seen in the last three years. I think if you look around the Caribbean, to me Guyana has the best set up because they allow you express yourself and the team is still winning”. He stated.

The 26 year-old cousin of former West Indies captain Floyd Reifer believes the little experience he acquired in England will be of great value to him and his team this season, pointing out that he paid much attention to the way the senior players set about their regimes with regards to bowling, batting and fielding in some of the toughest conditions to play Test cricket.
Regarding the ongoing Jaguars 3-Day League tournament, where he scored a 100 a few days ago for his West Demerara franchise, the left-arm pacer said the competition helps players to make strong selection cases for themselves. “I think we should thank the GCB for the 3-day league, I’m grateful that I was able to play last year and this year I’m looking to groom the young players who will eventually want to play for Guyana and West Indies.
Concluding his exclusive with Guyana Times Sport on Tuesday, the all-rounder who has 10 first class fifties and 100 wickets, strongly believes that Guyana will continue their dominance in 4-day cricket once they stick to the script. ‘This year we’re going on with a good chance of winning this season, we just have to play as a team, stick to our plans and I think we could win again,” he ended.