Young players for Bermuda

WEST Indies players Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul and Ryan Hurley are in a 14-member Clico Preysal squad heading to Bermuda this month for a ten-day pre-season training tour.

Fast bowler Rampaul, who returned home last week from a four-week scholarship at the elite Cricket Australia-Commonwealth Bank Centre of Excellence in Australia, will use the tour as his return to some level of competitive cricket, following injury. West Indies Test wicket-keeper Ramdin and the off-spinning allrounder Hurley, who played nine One-Day Internationals for the West Indies during 2003 and 2004 are among the key players in the squad for the tour that begins on September 17.

Trinidad and Tobago middle-order batsman Shazam Babwah will captain the team that will also include fast bowler Keegan Roy and off-spinner Vishan Jagessar, who both contested the TCL Group West Indies tournament in Guyana.

Meanwhile, former regional umpire Camal Basdeo has been appointed the first CEO of Clico Preysal, effective September 1, 2006.

It is the first time the club has hired a CEO, and it signals the club’s intention to become at least a semi-professional outfit by 2008.

Basdeo was also elected as the club’s secretary at the annual general meeting held on Sunday.

Tony Harford was elected unopposed for his fourth two-year-term as chairman of the Central-based club, with co-founder Manzur Baksh as vice-chairman.

Clico Preysal has won 26 titles since being sponsored by Clico in 1998, in all age groups.

In 2006, the club won the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board inaugural Twenty/20 championship and took the East/West Under-15 title for the first time.

CMC

ICC put Lara stadium on hold

THE FINAL decision on the use of the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, South Trinidad for Cricket World Cup matches next year has been delayed for at least two weeks by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

According to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007, contingency proposals for alternative venues have been submitted to the ICC for consideration.

This was warranted because the construction of the new $850 million stadium is way behind schedule because of wet weather and the unavailability of construction material.

In-depth discussions between the LOC and the ICC will take place during the next two weeks, with the objective of achieving mutual agreement on the way forward.

At a media briefing at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port-of-Spain yesterday, Don Lockerbie, Venue Development Director of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, noted that the controversial facility will not be 100-percent ready in time to host warm-up matches next March.

He pointed out that while work on the pitch and outfield will be completed ahead of the scheduled October 31 deadline, the stands will not be built on time.

The venue was scrutinised yesterday by the ICC inspection team of Lockerbie, Jeff Atherton, Francis Lopez, Chris Tetley, Bob Laing, Eugene Janse Van Durren and Andy Roberts.

Roberts, the former West Indies fast bowler and coach, who is currently a member of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) selection panel, will focus exclusively on the pitches at all the 2007 World Cup venues.

The LOC stated that development works on the stadium were delayed mainly as a result of the following contributing factors — severe rains, the general over-heating of the local construction industry and unavailability of raw materials.

Lockerbie noted that the general construction boom in Trinidad meant a shortage of manpower at the project, which is being handled by UDECOTT (Urban Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago). “The site is not the easiest to build on,” said Lockerbie.

And he is aware that plans are in place to include a number of sports facilities at the stadium, with a view to make it a premier venue in Trinidad.

“It’ll be a great facility, in the future, for Trinidad and Tobago,” he stated.

But the immediate future of the stadium looks grim, Lockerbie declared, as each of the respective LOCs — Jamaica, Guyana, Antigua, St Kitts, Grenada, St Lucia, Barbados, St Vincent and Trinidad and Tobago, must have their venues prepared by October 31, with the final inspections taking place in December.

Lockerbie described the Lara Stadium as “the most behind schedule,” while the practice venues — the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva and the University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine campus, were “in good shape.” And he was high in praise for the work being done at the Queen’s Park Oval.

“You’re going to see a venue that is revitalised,” he said.

With regards to the Oval, work is almost finished on the new pavilion and the three-storey Trini Posse Stand, while the Gerry Gomez Media Centre and the Learie Constantine Stand are being refurbished.

Joel Bailey

Rampual benefits from Australian stint

WEST Indies fast bowler Ravi Rampaul, who returned from his cricket scholarship last week, said he has benefited tremendously from the four-week stint at the elite Cricket Australia-Commonwealth Bank Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, Australia.

The right-arm pacer has targeted the upcoming KFC Cup Limited Overs tournament in January, 2007, for his likely return to competitive cricket.

The scholarship was funded by the Australian Sports Outreach Programme (ASOP), which Australia’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago John Michell launched in the Caribbean in June.

The ASOP is a five-year programme running from July 2006 to June 2011.

Rampaul’s scholarship involved him undergoing intensive tutelage in the art of fast bowling under the guidance of Australia’s foremost cricket coaches.

Bothered by shin problems over the past two years, Rampaul said he was extremely elated at the opportunity given to him by the government of Australia and in particular High Commissioner Michell.

“I know that it will help me to improve in the technical aspects of my game and also to represent West Indies cricket with its great tradition of fast bowling talent,” said Rampaul, who played the last of his 17 One-Day Internationals for the West Indies in July 2004 against England.

He added that individual coaches in different disciplines were assigned to him, including Jamie Siddons (batting), Troy Cooley (bowling) and Mike Young (fielding).

Rampaul, who turns 22 years old next month, said he underwent therapy for his injury and that special bowling shoes were made for him.

“The training was of a high standard and the facility could be rated as second to none. I am continuing my training at the Atlantic Plaza Gym in Point Lisas and I am eagerly awaiting to get back into competitive cricket,” Rampaul said.

Rampaul, who plays for local club Clico Preysal said that having been injured for the past two years and enduring intense training under the watchful eyes of Dr Terry Ali, praise must be given to all those who assisted him.

He added that he had been given the medical green light to resume the game with a 100 per cent effort.

Meanwhile, Michell said further scholarships will be awarded to regional cricketers in the coming years.

“Currently, the Australian government is examining the possibility of awarding further scholarships to young Caribbean cricketers over each year of the life of ASOP.

“ASOP reflects the importance Australia and countries in the Caribbean region attach to sport, in particular its ability to transcend social, educational, ethnic, religious, historical, political and language barriers.

It is estimated that over TT$11 million (US$1.75 million) will be devoted to the Caribbean region over the life of ASOP,” Michell said.

He added that the scope of the programme extends beyond sport into broader community issues such as HIV/AIDs awareness, non-communicable diseases (e.g diabetes), youth leadership and personal development.

Michell said he hoped the scholarship would kick-start Rampaul’s career again. (CMC)

T&T Newsday

Over $65,000 for National Windball Cricket

OVER $65,000 in cash and prizes will be at stake when the Trinidad and Tobago Windball Cricket Association bowls off on October 1 at Constantine Park, Macoya, Tunapuna.

The competition will be the first ever national windball cricket league and was initially scheduled to begin on August 20 at the same venue before expected government funding delayed the start.

The TTWCL has partnered with the Ministry of Sports and will be inviting the league’s public relations officer Keisha Davis. She said, players are to be selected based on the region in which they live, and not because they are members of the club as it is a criteria of the competition.

This means that the different leagues will be responsible for the teams that are selected to represent it.

A total of 16 teams will contest the series with the winners to get $15,000.

Runners-up will receive $12,000 while the third placed team gets $5,000 and a trophy.

However teams eliminated early in the tournament also stand to collect handsomely for the one-day contest.

The teams expected to take part are Sangre Grande/Manzanilla, Arima, Toco/Valencia, Caroni/Chaguanas/Cunupia, Couva/Marabella/Claxton Bay, Tobago, Princes Town/Rio/Claro Mayaro, San Fernando/Cedros/La Brea/Siparia, Diego Martin/St James/Port of Spain, San Juan/Barataria, St Joseph/Bamboo, Curepe/St Augustine, Tacarigua, Arouca, Piarco/St Helena/Las Lomas and Tunapuna.

Leagues can contact Robin Ojar 662-2038, David Joseph 789-8501, Keisha David 783-8055, Narad Maharaj 642-7406, Steve Bohal 640-1545 or Benjamin Browne 791-8869.

T&T Newsday

Sherwin Ganga, James revive PowerGen

SHERWIN GANGA and Denzil James both hit half-centuries yesterday to revive PowerGen Sports on the first day of their fourth round Carib National League Division One contest against FCB Clarke Road at Wilson Road, Penal.

Ganga, whose brother Daren is the national captain was unbeaten on 64 while James was 60 not out as the league-leaders PowerGen, who lost three early wickets, closed the day’s play on 148 without further loss.

CLICO Preysal have the upper-hand after yesterday’s play against W Connection Wanderers at the Inshan Ali Park, Preysal. Wanderers were precariously placed at 118 for nine with West Indies Under-19 batsman William Perkins hitting 26 and Joel Pamphille unbeaten on 18.

Trinidad and Tobago off-spinner Amit Jaggernauth, warming up for next week’s Carib Beer Cricket Challenge semi-final against the Windward Islands, snared five for 39.

Ex-national off-spinner Rodney Sooklal put the Queen’s Park batsmen in a spin as reigning champs Alescon Comet had the Parkies struggling on 170 for eight at Pierre Road, Charlieville.

Left-handed Justin Guillen offered the only resistance for his team with 75.

Former West Indies left-arm spinner Neil McGarrell destroyed the Joe Public Munroe Road batting as Ceramic Merry Boys seized control of their clash at the Diego Martin Recreation Ground.

The Guyanese all-rounder captured five for 31 while off-spinner Aneil Kanhai claimed two for 32 and Barbadian pacer Ryan Best, two for 43, as they restricted the cellar-placed Munroe Road to 122 for nine.

Kapil Harry was the lone batting spark for the visitors with 41.

Play today resumes at 10 am at all venues.

T&T Newsday

Ganga upbeat about WI future

BRIDGETOWN: Despite another catastrophic overseas tour, West Indies opener Daren Ganga is upbeat about the immediate future and a turnaround in fortunes for the regional team.

Speaking yesterday at the Grantley Adams International Airport shortly after the squad’s return to the Caribbean from New Zealand, Ganga pointed to a level of team spirit, especially in the aftermath of a shock defeat in the First Test.

“Since I made my debut in 1999, this team that we’ve got and the guys we have around, there is a certain uniqueness about the spirit and about the team unity,” Ganga said.

“Although we lost that match and it was very hurtful, we stood by each other, we supported each other and we ensured that we played together.

“The spirit that we have is unique. This is a unit that is working hard together and can make a difference.

“This is a unit that is willing to commit themselves to the success of West Indies cricket.”

After an opening stand of 148 between Ganga and Chris Gayle, West Indies lost the First Test by 27 runs in Auckland when they were set 291 to win.

They also tasted defeat by ten wickets in the Second Test in Wellington before a rain-ruined third Test in Napier

Their fortunes in the limited-overs series were no better, losing the five-match contest 4-1.

“It was really, really hurtful to lose that First Test match knowing how close we were to winning,” Ganga said.

“I thought we played really good cricket and deserved to win. Be that as it may, I think we are one session short of winning Test matches.

“It’s good to see our performance on an overseas tour as well.

“Our record overseas doesn’t say much but we’re on the right path. It’s just a matter of us getting things together, working to-gether as a team and en-suring that we play together as a team.”

In the limited-overs series, West Indies were also in reasonable positions to press for victories, but were unable to capitalise.

“It is just unfortunate that we didn’t click on at crucial points in games, both in the Test matches and one-day matches,” Ganga said.

“We had New Zealand on the ropes on many occasions and it was just a matter of us not understanding the situation and knowing what was required at the point in time.

“We lacked the mental toughness and the tactical toughness as players.”

The majority of the squad returned to the Caribbean, minus captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul who travelled to United States on business while star batsman Brian Lara is also has business matters in India and England.

(CMC)