THE STORY OF 15-YEAR-OLD ISAI THORNE

Clocking in at 80mph…

By Brandon Corlette

Gifted with raw talent, and naturally blessed with vitality, West Indies U-16 player Isai Thorne has the ability to produce lightning-bolt deliveries that travel in the approximation of 80 miles per hour (mph). And he apparently can keep up this fusillade for extended periods of time.

This publication caught up with the 15-year-old Isai at his Rose Hall Canje Community Centre Cricket Club, and there followed an insight into his journey in the world of cricket, and his aspirations therein.

It all started for Isai Thorne through happenstance, when as

an 8-year-old he just paid a ‘visit’ to the Young Warriors Cricket Club. He thereafter became a consistent ‘visitor’, and was eventually stuck in the game of cricket. An imposing figure who exudes vitality, Thorne opined that for him to reach greater heights, he must remain disciplined, and his fitness must be on point.
“I have to keep working hard (to) keep my fitness up there and, most importantly, discipline,” Thorne declared.
Reflecting on his short but successful career thus far, Thorne said it could have been much better if he had better ball control. Having played for West Indies U-16 in England last August, this right-arm pacer disclosed that the conditions there were a bit tough.
“It was tough, because the ball (does not) swing over here (Guyana); but I still think I managed well over there,” Thorne posited. This talented speedster, who is seeking to get into the West Indies Senior Team through hard work and determination, has declared his short-term goals as representing Guyana at the Under-17 and Under-19 levels, and being selected to the West Indies U-19 Team.
Thorne disclosed that his favourite fast bowlers are Jofra Archer, Malcolm Marshall, Mitchell Starc and Courtney Ambrose. Some of his local heroes are Shimron Hetmyer, the late Basil Butcher, and Rohan Kanhai.
He shared that the most memorable wicket he has taken to date is that of Seon Hetmyer, older brother of Shimron Hetmyer. “It was tough to get him out. I bowled a lot of dot balls, and he was not giving his wicket away,” Thorne reminisced.
The last time his bowling speed was checked was when he was 13 years old. It was clocked at 78mph, and Isai Thorne has declared that his aspiration over the next two years is to be bowling at speeds of between 85 and 88 mph.
In regard to where his gratitude lies, he firstly thanks the Almighty; then his parents; then Sheldon Phillips and ‘Sir’ Ameer Rahaman, his teacher, coach and mentor at the Rose Hall Canje Community Centre Cricket Club. ‘Sir’ Ameer Rahaman revealed that he knew Thorne for quite a while, being his form teacher for three years in high school. “I encouraged him to come out. I even spoke to his mom and I promised her that, if he comes out, I will make sure I take special care of him and give him all the attention (he needs). I guaranteed her that within the next two years she would see him in West Indies colours,” Rahaman explained. Thorne has been one of the brighter prospects of this East Canje cricket club, being the first player therefrom to represent West Indies at the youth level. “It is something that we are proud of, and he is playing all formats for us. He is one of the prominent bowlers for us at the first division set-up, and he is working to become an all-rounder. His batting has improved and his leadership style as well, since he was given the opportunity to lead in the club,” Rahaman explained.
Thorne is simply a work of art who, given the necessary investment, is certain to become a West Indies great in the future.