KFC Cup: B'dos turns to youth (and inexperience)
by IAN BEST
The Barbados celectors have opted for a relatively youthful and inexperienced squad in preparation for the 2007 edition of the KFC Cup with teenaged sensation Jonathan Carter set to make his debut in national colours.
There is also room for the talented off spinning all-rounder Derek Bishop who is currently enjoying a successful season with the St. Catherine team.
The team does however have some experience with regular openers Wayne Blackman and Dale Richards, but former opener Martin Nurse has been included despite having a lean trials. His place must have been owed to his belligerent innings of 139 n.o. scored over the last weekend.The middle order will revolve around newly appointed Vice-Captain Dwayne Smith, Kirk Edwards, Jonathan Carter, Kenroy Williams and all-rounder Kevin Stoute.
Sulieman Benn is back as the main spinning option, with support coming from Bishop. The fast bowling will be taken care of the West Indies trio of Collymore, Edwards and Collins bolstered by the young and enthusiastic Roach. No room was found for ex West Indies pacer Tino Best. Smith and Stoute also bowl medium pace.
The wicket keeping duties no doubt will be taken care of by West Indies B 'keeper, Browne with Carlo Morris serving as backup.
Prior to the 1st match the squad will be reduced down to 13. Barbados is this year without the services of the experienced trio of Ian Bradshaw, Floyd Reifer and Ryan Hinds. Bradshaw and Reifer both retired from 1st class cricket since last year’s competition whilst Hinds is taking a break from the game after being replaced as captain of the national side.
SQUAD:
Corey Collymore (captain), Dwayne Smith (vice-captain), Sulieman Benn,, Derek Bishop, Wayne Blackman, Patrick Browne, Jonathan Carter, Pedro Collins, Fidel Edwards, Kirk Edwards, Carlo Morris, Martin Nurse, Dale Richards, Kemar Roach, Kevin Stoute, Kenroy Williams.