All Bravo, All the Time

In the Sydney Morning Herald, Peter Roebuck celebrates Dwayne Bravo's second Test ton, arguing that the young batsman's accomplishment has reinvigorated the team and West Indies fans.

In describing Bravo's strokeplay, Roebuck likens the Trinidad & Tobago batsman's strokeplay to former West Indies captain Carl Hooper. He also gives a glimpse into the life of Denesh Ramdin who provided Bravo with essential support on Sunday afternoon.

, writing for the Caribbean Media Corporation, notes that Bravo credited his century knock to Brian Lara, saying he found invaluable support in the elder statesman of the team.

Bravo turned to Lara for advice following his first innings dismissal, and clearly wise words such as leaving balls that pitched on the legs resonated. The young player also revealed that Lara helped him develop his range of shots, demonstrating the sweep in the nets.

According to Tony Cozier, Bravo also praised head coach Bennett King for some sound advice on when and how to play cross-batted shots.

Bravo dedicated his century to Trinidad & Tobago?s football World Cup qualifying Soca Warriors, saying that after learning of their victory over Bahrain, team media officer Imran Khan told him that either he or Lara would have to make a ton to celebrate.

Lara himself was the victim of yet another horrendous decision from so-called Elite umpire Rudi Koertzen, wrongly given out for the third time in four innings and prompting Michael Holding to improvise on Channel 9?s cricket trivia.

The question 'Whispering Death' believes should be asked after the third and final Test match has concluded is something along the lines of: "In six innings, Brian Lara was actually out how many times?"

Despite yet another loss, captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul remains upbeat ahead of the third and final contest against Australia, writes Julian Linden for Reuters.

Commenting on the Bravo/Ramdin partnership, Chanderpaul said: "They showed a lot of courage out there, it's a big lift for the rest of us." The skipper also said that West Indies have been playing catch-up cricket so far but is optimistic they will start playing from the front in Adelaide.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 is hosting a press conference in Jamaica on Wednesday where they will formally unveil details of the ticketing program devised for the big event.

The announcement will be broadcast live at 10 a.m. on the official CricketWorldCup.com web site.

Guyanese umpire Clyde Duncan has been invited by the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association to host an umpiring seminar on behalf of the West Indies Cricket Board. Duncan serves as the honorary secretary of the Guyana Cricket Umpires Council.

Involved in organising the three day seminar, in which Duncan will facilitate for two days, is West Indies Cricket Board development officer Dr Michael Seepersaud.

Bermuda wants to participate in the West Indies Carib Beer regional tournament next season and has applied to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for a spot in the itinerary, writes Bermuda Sun reporter James Whittaker.

The plea comes at a time when Bermuda is stepping up its preparations for Cricket World Cup 2007, and Bermuda Cricket's chief executive Neil Speight says the national team would benefit from international exposure.