Harper says team structure, UK conditions responsible

Permaul’s omission from Windies July Test tour to UK…

While a majority of the Guyanese cricket population awaits an explanation from Cricket West Indies (CWI) on why Guyana’s left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul was not selected in the Test squad to tour England, CWI Chief selector Roger Harper responded on Tuesday evening.

Harper, who was present on the Mason and Guests Cricket Show, stated that he has been hearing the noise made by Guyanese. “With the sort of performance that Permaul has had this season and over the years, that’s not surprising (the surrounding noise) but if you look at the structure of the team, you know the Test squad and the reserves, you realize that there is not a lot of spinners in the party when you look at the sort of conditions in England”.

“Cornwall was selected as the spinner in the squad based on his past Test performance. Looking at the reserves, we thought we would have looked at like for like replacements for positions and places in the team and the panel went for the incumbent from the last tour,” Harper explained.
When Mason touched on the Berbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster being ‘disgusted’ at Permaul’s non-selection, Harper had this to say: Yes, I have heard all of that. Like I said “Permaul has been performing exceptionally well over the last few years, I am not surprised (at the BCB’s response),” Harper highlighted.
Harper also commented on the composition of the squad and sharing his sentiments on other players. In Harper’s response to no Guyanese being selected in the squad; he noted that Guyana had good players in the squad who opted out of the tour. In terms of 31-year old Jamaican Nkumrah Bonner being selected in the squad, Harper stated that his weight of performance ensured his selection.
“The way he made his runs, and the reports we had from scouts and selectors, Bonner is the sort of player to hold an innings together and bat with the lower order and take charge if necessary. “Well a lot of people thought a lot of things, but Bonner had an impressive season as well as Kyle Mayers but other things are taken into consideration.”
The Chief selector was not surprised at Keemo Paul, Shimron Hetmyer and Darren Bravo’s choice to opt out of the tour; and he respects this decision. I am not surprised at any player did this but sometimes this create opportunity for some players to try cement a place.”
In a nutshell, Harper believes that this Guyanese-less West Indies squad that are currently in England have what it takes to win the Test series and retain the Wisden Trophy. “Of course, we can (win the Test series). I don’t think anyone gave us a chance last year when England tour the West Indies, looking at that we should have the belief and I think we need our senior guys who toured England before to step up, especially the batters.” Harper showed more confident in the bowlers and are calling for the batsmen to step up with consistency.
“Once we can score 600 runs in a Test match, we can win. That means we have to get 350 runs in the first innings and do it on a regular basis and give ourselves a chance at winning,” Harper concluded. West Indies will commence their three-match Test series on July 8 but the players will hit the prep-mode when they play practice matches prior the first Test. (Brandon Corlette)