Neil McGarrell: Back in The Fray

"I'm definitely ready for the World Cup" were the words of the normally reticent Neil McGarrell the morning after he had learnt that he was selected on the West Indies provisional squad of 30 for next year's World Cup.

The 30-year old Guyanese revealed that though it had taken a bit longer than he expected; to be reconsidered (for a place in the senior side), the news did not come as a surprise to him, since the selectors and fans alike, are fully aware of his unpretentious blue collar work ethic, and his strong desire to meaningfully represent the West Indies.

"People know me very well by now, I don't cut corners. Everything that I have achieved in this life, especially in cricket, has come through hard work and dedication. I don't bluff my way around, what you see is what you get with me. I'm really happy that the selectors have seen it fit to recognize my efforts, and I will repay them with interest. From now until my career ends, it's going to be more of the same, one hundred percent output for Guyana, the West Indies, or whoever else I may represent!"

He credits his family for giving him the strength and inspiration to keep fighting. "It's all about my family, all and sundry; they are what keep me motivated to succeed. I can't let them down."

Apart from a niggling shin injury, which bothered him for a few weeks, Neil stressed that he is now in the best shape of his life. "My shin had bothered me recently, but that may have been a blessing in disguise; it forced me to intensify my gym work, and as a result, I can now say with utmost confidence, that I'm in what I consider, the best condition of my life."

There's a great degree of optimism in the slow-bowling utility player, about making the side to South Africa. When asked about his chances against the likes of Mahendra Nagamootoo, Gareth Breese (Suleiman Benn is out through injury) who basically are the players with whom he would be vying for a spot on the 'main frame', it was his opinion that they all had great chances, but felt that his toughness, varied skills, and never-say-die attitude would prevail.

"I think I can outgun those guys, but I'm certainly not taking them for granted. They will see me throwing everything out on the line, and if they could better that...if they can handle my intensity, then so be it. Time will tell!"

With regard to his batting, he is satisfied that his natural instincts will kick into gear when his services are required. "I've not been to the crease too many times recently ,because in the trials, it's been more important for the younger guys now trying to get into the national team, to get as long knocks as possible. I'm not really bothered, because when I'm in shape, my batting benefits tremendously, and I've already mentioned my conditioning."

McGarrell is well known for his aggressive batting and ability to maintain healthy run-rates, most notably in pressure situations. His peers respect him for his tenacity, and his nickname "Beast" was given to him as a result of his fighting qualities and high threshold for pain. There are few, if any, cricketers around; who could match his total commitment to team, at any level of the game.

There is also his great cricketing relationship with current WI skipper Carl Hooper, which is clearly evident when the two occupy the crease in many of the regional encounters. Hooper on one hand, believes in his charge's ability to play sensibly, and vice versa, McGarrell often answers his captain's call with stubborn and stout resistance.

He respectfully paid credit to Hooper, when I asked about his (Hooper's) impact as a captain, "Carl is a very good motivator, he tends to bring out the best in players, especially youngsters. Where I am concerned, batting with him gives me even greater inspiration to hang in and keep an innings alive. We've been involved in important partnerships in the past. I've learnt a whole lot from the skipper. He's even helped me with my adjusting to, and development on the international scene. You won't find a better teacher".

The selectors will be seriously considering his extremely stingy nature in the bowling department, as a possible asset in the upcoming World Cup. The inability of those presently on tour to restrict heavy scoring in India, could well 'play into the hands' of those back here in the Caribbean, hungry for their chance to impress.

The only noteworthy blemish on McGarrell's resume to date, was his 'baptism of fire' on a January evening three years ago in Johannesburg, when in only his second ODI against South Africa, he was given the responsibility of bowling three of the last six overs in the contest, including the last. The rest is history.

It was a shocking and unsettling experience. But, for a character like the "Beast", it was merely a time for focused reflection and a renewed vigour to succeed. "I remember that game like it was yesterday and that's why when the West Indies are taking the field in the World Cup final at the New Wanderers on March 23rd, I want to be there to redeem myself. Inexperience beat me, back then; I admit and accept I was in at the deep end and didn't handle things too well. But we don't walk as soon as we're born, do we? Things are different now, it's a challenge I'm certainly ready for!"

When asked about his plans, should he not make the squad, McGarrell indicated that his initial focus would be to have an outstanding regional season, with both bat and ball, with a view to forcing himself into the fray for the Australian tour of the West Indies which starts in April. If unsuccessful in his attempt to make the side against the Aussies, he intends to vigourously pursue an English contract.