What Has Jafferally Done?

The more things change, the more they remain the same.

Forgive me if I can't remember from whence those utterances came but don?t forgive me if I allow the opportunity to comment on the Guyana team selected for this weekend's opening round of the 2005-06 Carib Beer Cup go abegging.

When the long-serving Joe Solomon decided to call it quits as national selector it was felt by some (me included) that the comparatively young selection panel would bring some fresh ideas to the table.

They didn?t disappoint, I must assure you. For dropping Ryan Ramdass a few months after he represented the regional team sends a clear message ? Produce or Perish! No longer would a player turn up at trials and make the team solely on past performances.

The same could be said about the veteran Lennox Cush, Rayon Griffith and Damodar Daesrat who, like Ramdass, produced modestly in the games leading up to selection.

This opened the door for the experienced duo of Andre Percival, who last appeared in national colours two years ago, and Travis Dowlin who was overlooked for the 2004-05 season. They were both awarded for outstanding performances during the inter-county tournament.

Teenage all-rounder Steven Jacobs also gets his chance after consistent performances, in the last half of the year, while wicket-keeper Derwin Christian finally procures a place with the non-appearance of Vishal Nagamootoo.

But, does this produce or perish maxim not apply for every player who aspires to represent their country?

I?m forced to ask this question because of the baffling inclusion of the off-spinner Imran Jafferally. Ever since his days as an Under-19 player he has kept popping up in unexpected places, namely national teams. Mind you, he?s not too bad a bowler but back then, like now, there have always been more worthy contenders.

On this occasion, the man who he was most likely selected ahead of (Zaheer Mohamed) matched him in the bowling department in the lead-up games and is a proven better performer with the bat, yet he has been relegated to the reserves.

What I?m dying to ask is ?what is it about young Jafferally that successive selection panels keep choosing him while others with more realistic chances of making the final 11 are left by the wayside?? Is there more to this matter than meets the eye?

The more things change, the more they remain the same.