Harper Wants an Academy in Every Country

FORMER West Indies off-spinner and current coach of the regional team, Roger Harper, said that each territory should have its own cricket academy. And in doing so, they will be able to produce more cricketers for the West Indies team.

Harper was present at the official opening ceremony of the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Development Centre at Balmain in Central Trinidad. He said that the idea and the whole concept of development centres in the region is terrific.

"I would like to see something of a similar nature in each territory in the West Indies, rather than an academy in Grenada. I believe if each territory has its own academy, they would be able to produce more players for the West Indies," said Harper.

The sporting complex occupies 17 acres of land and cost about US$900,000.

West Indies youth players Dwayne Bravo, Ravi Rampaul and Lendl Simmons head a list of 18 players who will take residence at the Centre every weekend from August to December and will be taught all about cricket and life.

Former West Indies vice-captain and wicketkeeper Deryck Murray was appointed as head of the Centre. Murray, who represented the West Indies in 63 Tests, has been employed by the TTCBC to oversee the development of the game in this country.

SOURCE: GUYANA CHRONICLE