- News>
- Cricket
Windies unleash new generation
Nov 07:Bowlers win matches, and in the West Indies they have traditionally had a massive influence.
Nov 07:Bowlers win matches, and in the West Indies they have traditionally had a massive influence.
So it is that, despite Brian Lara's avalanche of Test runs, the absence of a bowling colossus leaves the West Indies languishing eighth in the ICC Test rankings.
But Tests in Zimbabwe and South Africa this winter offer a clutch of young quicks the chance to ignite Caribbean cricket and follow the massive footprints of Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose.
The West Indies selectors put faith in raw pace talent for home rubbers against Australia and Sri Lanka earlier this year.
Well placed to judge their merits is Corey Collymore, a more seasoned campaigner, who has played alongside or against all of the aspirants in domestic cricket.
African fans will not get to see the best-known of the bunch, Jermain Lawson, however, as he continues work to smooth out his action. "It's difficult and frustrating because you have to go back to basics but he's a tremendous prospect for cricket lovers the world over," says Collymore.
"He's already delivered two great sets of figures; 6-3 against Bangladesh and a 7-78 haul, including a hat-trick, against Australia in Antigua."
One pace prospect who will be making the trip is 21-year old Fidel Edwards, who came from nowhere into Test cricket and promptly took 5-36 on debut against Sri Lanka.
A fiery customer with a slinging round arm action, Barbadian Edwards had played only one first-class match before his international call-up.
"Fidel's not just one of my team-mates, but a friend and neighbour too. He's the half-brother of [fellow Test paceman] Pedro Collins," says Collymore. "International cricket today is relentless, requiring hard work and commitment and as with Pedro, I've always believed Fidel had the ability to reach the top.
"At 5 ft 8 in, he's short for a quick bowler and he'll need to work on building up his muscles."
It is Jamaican Jerome Taylor who Collymore cites as the pick of the bunch.
Named most promising fast bowler in last season's first-class competition, Taylor had a memorable domestic campaign, including 8-59 against Trinidad and Tobago.
"He's received less publicity than his peers, but he's explosive and played his first Test in June when still only 18."
Add to this list David Bernard - one Test - and as yet uncapped youth sensation Ravi Rampaul and it is clear there is no lack of desire among young West Indies cricketers to extend their fast bowling heritage.
"These guys can bowl in excess of 90mph but what really impresses me is their keenness to listen and learn from the older players," Collymore adds.
"At 25 years old, that definitely includes me."
But Tests in Zimbabwe and South Africa this winter offer a clutch of young quicks the chance to ignite Caribbean cricket and follow the massive footprints of Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose.
The West Indies selectors put faith in raw pace talent for home rubbers against Australia and Sri Lanka earlier this year.
Well placed to judge their merits is Corey Collymore, a more seasoned campaigner, who has played alongside or against all of the aspirants in domestic cricket.
African fans will not get to see the best-known of the bunch, Jermain Lawson, however, as he continues work to smooth out his action. "It's difficult and frustrating because you have to go back to basics but he's a tremendous prospect for cricket lovers the world over," says Collymore.
"He's already delivered two great sets of figures; 6-3 against Bangladesh and a 7-78 haul, including a hat-trick, against Australia in Antigua."
One pace prospect who will be making the trip is 21-year old Fidel Edwards, who came from nowhere into Test cricket and promptly took 5-36 on debut against Sri Lanka.
A fiery customer with a slinging round arm action, Barbadian Edwards had played only one first-class match before his international call-up.
"Fidel's not just one of my team-mates, but a friend and neighbour too. He's the half-brother of [fellow Test paceman] Pedro Collins," says Collymore. "International cricket today is relentless, requiring hard work and commitment and as with Pedro, I've always believed Fidel had the ability to reach the top.
"At 5 ft 8 in, he's short for a quick bowler and he'll need to work on building up his muscles."
It is Jamaican Jerome Taylor who Collymore cites as the pick of the bunch.
Named most promising fast bowler in last season's first-class competition, Taylor had a memorable domestic campaign, including 8-59 against Trinidad and Tobago.
"He's received less publicity than his peers, but he's explosive and played his first Test in June when still only 18."
Add to this list David Bernard - one Test - and as yet uncapped youth sensation Ravi Rampaul and it is clear there is no lack of desire among young West Indies cricketers to extend their fast bowling heritage.
"These guys can bowl in excess of 90mph but what really impresses me is their keenness to listen and learn from the older players," Collymore adds.
"At 25 years old, that definitely includes me."
Bureau Report