Congratulations to the new players who have been given central retainer contracts by Cricket West Indies (CWI). They have all been well deserved and a reward for their performances.
This is a result of their right attitude to the game, the efficient work which they applied to their preparation, plus the determination and dedication of their approach.
There are four players in all: Nkrumah Bonner of Jamaica, Joshua Da Silva of TT and Kyle Mayers of Barbados, who were offered red-ball contracts (Test and four-day games), plus Akeal Hosein, a white-ball contract (limited-overs cricket).
These four cricketers accepted CWI’s invitation to tour Bangladesh earlier this year, to challenge the hosts in three One-Day Internationals and two Test matches. Their selection was due mainly to the absence of WI’s main players who withdrew for fear of the dangerous coronavirus.
Although all three games were lost in the ODIs, Hosein revealed the skill and approach needed to play at the international level. Bonner, Da Silva and Mayers were astonishing in their roles, especially as newcomers, with performances that were vital to WI winning both Tests. And, I always have to repeat, in conditions favourable to the home team.
These players seized their opportunity. Then they all followed up with commendable accomplishments against Sri Lanka in Antigua.
Da Silva, at 22, is the youngest of the four and grabbed his chance in the second Test in New Zealand, the tour that immediately preceded the one in Bangladesh. He scored a masterly 57 in bowler-friendly conditions and against world-class bowlers.
Bonner, 32, was named Player of the Series, and his opportunity couldn’t have come sooner. He played meticulously in unfamiliar conditions and showed the necessary fighting spirit, a dynamic asset to the team. He ought to practise his leg-break bowling more, as it could make a positive contribution to the team. Phil Simmons, the coach, should have a look at this; all Bonner needs is the confidence that he’s a useful bowler.
Mayers, like Bonner, has been around the team for a time as a reserve; then, when the gates of opportunity flew open, he was out like a flash, crushing the opposition bowlers flat, with a double century not out.
This left-handed batsman bowls right-arm at a decent medium-pace. Again, Simmons has to work on this latent ability the WI possesses, by encouraging bowling practice, adding another string to his bow.
Hosein, 28, bowls slow left-arm orthodox and has been in and out of TT teams. Loaded with talent, he seemed to lack confidence in his ability. At present he’s matured. Consequently, his skill should carry him through at the highest level. Granted he has a white-ball contract, but here is one who can play in any format because he’s also a talented batsman. This ability would hardly be seen in a limited-overs game, as he would bat too low down in the order to be effective.
These were excellent selections by lead selector Roger Harper and h
