Stretch: WI Bowling Future Bright

South African biomechanics expert, Dr Richard Stretch, says he is impressed with the amount of bowling talent that exists in the region and foresees a bright future for West Indies cricket.

Stretch, who is in the island conducting a one-week biomechanics coaching clinic, said after analysing nine of the region's top young bowlers that he was confident that in a few years' time the West Indies will be terrorising opponents again.

"I was very impressed ... and I think West Indies have got a big future with their fast bowlers," he said yesterday after reviewing videotapes of Jermaine Lawson, Jerome Taylor, Fidel Edwards and Ravi Rampaul, among others.

"The main thing we looked at was their technique, strengths and to see if there are any areas that they might be exposed to injury and except for a couple, everybody looked good," he added.

A director at the academy of Sport at the University of Port Elizabeth in his homeland, Stretch, who leaves the island on Saturday following the completion of the week-long clinic, said all that was needed now was for the players, who have been deemed to have a fault in their action to correct them so that their longevity remains viable.

"We want to enhance their technique and keep it safe," he explained. "There are few players who have biomechanical deficiencies. What we hope to do is balance their flair with the biomechanics and once we can bridge that fine line West Indies will be on their way to producing champions again," he added.

But according to Stretch, identifying players' weaknesses was just the beginning, as the most important stage will be the rehabilitation process.

"These players need to be followed up and there needs to be a programme where coaches and medics work with them. Also, make sure that the next crop of young players, between the ages of 14-15, go through proper assessment, so that when they reach 18 and 19 they don't develop bad bowling habits," he said.

But how far are West Indies behind the leading cricketing nations with this type of critical analysis? Not too far, says Stretch.

"From the science point of view the Australians are leading with South Africa second. But I think West Indies, New Zealand, India, England are around about the same level, and it's a case to take next step forward," he said.

Participating at the clinic, which continues today with a session entitled "Biomechanics of bowling and injury prevention", are WICB Chief Cricket Development Officer, Dr Michael Seepersaud, WICB bowling review committee's Brian Davis, Collin Croft, Dr Terri Ali, David Halford and Andy Roberts, Gus Logie, Ingleton Liburd, Clyde Butts, Michael Hayles, Kumar Rampat, Baichan Boochan, Henderson Springer, Roody Estwick, Alfred Byroe, Ian Allen, Hayden Walsh and Kenneth Benjamin.

Jamaica's Jeffery Dujon, Phillip Service, Andre Coley and Gibbs Williams complete the list.

* Republished from the Jamaica Observer.