Legendary cricketers inspire Berbice youths on historic weekend
Story and photos by Brandon Corlette
The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), over the weekend, hosted legendary cricketers Dr Desmond Haynes, Sir Andy Roberts, Jimmy Adams, and Roland Butcher.
The hosting of these legends was hailed as a success for many, and the former players credited BCB President Hilbert Foster for his work in the Ancient County.
Sir Andy and Butcher conducted three-day cricket clinics at Albion, while Adams and Dr Haynes inspired and interacted with cricketers and parents present at Albion on Saturday. All four of the legends were present at the BCB awards ceremony that saw a host of cricketers and personnel being recognised for their outstanding services.
From left: Dr Desmond Haynes, Roland Butcher, Sir Andy Roberts, and Jimmy Adams
Speaking at Albion on Saturday, Adams, who is the Director of Cricket at Cricket West Indies (CWI), shared his journey in cricket, and spoke about his method and hunger for batting over long periods. Further, he emphasised the importance of reading.
“You can’t bat for two hours in a match and train for two hours, you have to put in extra work,” Adams said.
The Jamaican, who played 54 Tests and averaged 41, noted that the selection process for the emerging players camp has not yet begun. “The selection process has not started yet; we are hoping that in the next few weeks, we will get that process completed and get that information through to the territory,” Adams said.
He also spoke about Kieron Pollard’s recent retirement: “I can only speak as the Director of Cricket. I was a bit surprised that he was choosing to retire now, but having that conversation with him, I totally understand his reason. Like most people in the Caribbean I wish him all the very best in whatever venture he goes into and for as much cricket he has left in him, I wish him all the success.”
Meanwhile, Dr Haynes, who is the current Lead Selector of the West Indies Men’s team, charged the youngsters present at Albion to work hard to achieve success. Dr Haynes scored two centuries at Albion and was regarded as arguably the best opening batsman.
Berbice cricketers and parents paying attention to the legends
“Kraigg Brathwaite has in his house a net, where he used to get guys bowl at him, and then he get a bowling machine and then we used to put a bed, so there will be no noise to disturb the neighbour. He may not be the most attractive batsman, but look at the commitment, look at someone that was determined to be the best that he can be,” Dr Haynes disclosed.
“We all want success, but we want it too easy. We don’t intend to work at it. The reason Sir Andy is here trying to make sure he can get more fast bowlers. Young people’s mentality today is that fast bowling is hard work. A lot of people don’t want that hard work. Look at India, they are producing some fast bowlers big as Jimmy, and these guys are bowling fast. So, it must be something they are doing, or the love for the sport, or their personal development they are interested in themselves to get better, that they are becoming a force to reckon with,” Dr Haynes said.
The four legendary cricketers also engaged with cricket coaches and administrators in the Ancient County.
