BCB hosts historic interactive working session with four legendary test players

Apr 29, 2022 Sports

The Berbice Cricket Board on Saturday last, created history in the Ancient County when it hosted a live interactive two hours session at the historic Albion Cricket Ground with four legendary test players. The session was attended by over one hundred and fifty players, parents and club officials and was described as very successful and informative by all in attendance.
BCB President Hilbert Foster started the session by stating that the board was investing heavily into off the field programmes with the main objectives of producing high standard players on and off the cricket field.

The panelists of legendary test players at the BCB organized interactive session. From left: Dr Desmond Haynes, Roland Butcher, Sir Andy Roberts and Jimmy Adams.

The programme was moderated by popular Television reporter Akeem Greene while the four panelists were former test players Sir Andy Roberts, Dr. Desmond Haynes, Jimmy Adams and Roland Butcher. Each of the legends spoke on their careers in opening remarks and informed the attentive gathering of the struggles, disappointment and hard work they had to endure to achieve success. Haynes traced the long journey he faced on his way to a career which produced over 40,000 runs in first class and List ‘A’ Cricket. Sir Andy Roberts used his opening remarks to state that his dreams were achieved through sheer hard work and a desire to be the best ever fast bowler.
Moderator Akeem Greene then opened the floor for the youth cricketers to ask the legends questions on the game and how to follow in their footsteps. A total of ninety minutes were used up in the Question-and-Answer segment as the youth players took full advantage of the opportunities to learn from their idols. Questions ranged from tips for success, the formula for their personal career success, how to play fast bowling, how to bowl on flat pitches, concentrating for long periods, how to be a successful captain, how to prepare for an innings, how to handle the new ball and the best ways to maintain physical fitness.
The youth players also sought answers on what criteria the selectors were looking for in a player and questioned Adams, who is currently the Cricket Director of West Indies on plans for upcoming youth tournaments and developmental plans. Adams, who also captained the West Indies in Sixteen Test matches, disclosed that CWI would be hosting Regional Under15, Under17 and Under19 tournaments for the first time in two years during the summer holidays in 2022. The CWI would also be hosting an Under19 Female tournament, while the regional board would also be targeting promising Under23 players in a high-performance programme later in the year.
The youth players also sought answers on the CWI policy of personal fitness and asked Chairman of Selectors Dr. Desmond Haynes if performance was below physical fitness. The formal session involved several light moments as the panel answered several personal questions. Dr. Haynes stated that Sir Richard Hadlee was the greatest bowler he ever faced, while Sir Andy Roberts described Sir Vivian Richards as the greatest batsman that he ever saw in action. Roland Butcher stated that he felt honoured to become the first black player for England.
The panel of test players after the conclusion of interactive sessions with the players and parents hosted a one-hour meeting with Berbice Coaches, Managers and Club officials. They used the opportunity to encourage the Berbice Cricket Officials to work harder. Dr. Haynes spoke on the selection policy of the CWI, while Adams spoke widely on CWI developmental plans.

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