When stories are told about the most elegant batsmen in the
history of cricket, Lawrence George Rowe's name is always at the
top of the list. A natural born strokeplayer, Rowe exploded onto
the scene in 1972, scoring a double and single on debut and
averaging 113.40 in his first Test series.
He was destined for great things when a series of freak injuries
-- and an allergy to grass -- interrupted his career and hastened
the controversial decision to lead a 'rebel' West Indies side to
apartheid South Africa. In this exclusive sit-down with
CaribbeanCricket.com's Michelle McDonald, Rowe talks
candidly about his career and the reasons for his decisions along
the way...
West Indies captain Brian Lara has put his captaincy on the
line, promising to step aside if his side fails to beat Bangladesh
in the second Test in Jamaica.
"If we don't beat Bangladesh, who have not won a Test match and
have drawn only three out of maybe 30, after five good days of
cricket in Jamaica, I think we'll need another leader...If we don't
win then I don't think I'm going to lead the team to England," Lara
declared.
As part of a new initiative by the West Indies Cricket Board
(WICB) to extend post-play press conferences to the Internet,
opener Chris Gayle took questions from journalists around the world
after his man-of-the match performance in the first Test against
Bangladesh.
The text of that online chat follows where Gayle talks about his
new batting stance, the state of pitches in the Caribbean and the
plans to implement retainer contracts for West Indies
players...
Alfred "Alf" Valentine was born on April 29 1930 and debuted for
the West Indies in 1950. Alf Valentine and Sonny Ramadhin became
overnight sensations against England in 1950 when, as 20 year olds,
they were instrumental in defeating England 3-1. Valentine's haul
in the four match series was 33 wickets at an average of 20.42 and
he had the distinction of taking the first eight wickets in his
first test innings. Valentine and Ramadhin went on to form a spin
duo that became a part of West Indian cricketing folklore. So
successful were these two players that their feats were
immortalised by a Trinidadian calypsonian in the song "Those Two
Little Pals of Mine."
Sometime soon, the WICB will be issuing retainer contracts to
the West Indian players, ensuring that they receive an annual
salary in addition to their match fees and individual endorsements.
By doing this, the WICB will or should have full control over the
players, ensuring that they do not have to seek alternative
employment when the season is out and they can focus 100% on
training hard at their game.
It would be interesting to know the terms and conditions of this
contract system, seeing that it is the Australian contract system
being followed (only fitting as they are the best in the world).
The question must be asked however, will these contracts work?
