Trinidad & Tobago Newsday article.
Couva, Trinidad - Trinidad and Tobago is one of only two regional territories who are best positioned to initiate the revival of West Indies cricket in the shortest possible time; the other is Barbados.
That was the view of former Test opening batsman Philo Wallace who delivered the feature address at the 59th- annual prize distribution function of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board’s National League, held on Saturday at the NESC Auditorium on Rivulet Road in Couva.
Wallace, 45, a hard-hitting batsman in his heyday who holds the record for the fastest century recorded in regional cricket, scored at Guaracara Park in Pointe-a- Pierre, said both TT and Barbados have been producing an unbelievable number to top-class cricketers in recent times.
He said as a Barbadian he was especially proud at the administrative strides made in his home country under the leadership of former West Indies fast bowler Joel “Big Bird” Garner which has allowed the progress of their cricketers.
The regional team presently in Sri Lanka is dominated by Barbadian players who comprise new captain Jason Holder and six others in the 15-man Test squad, including Kraigg Brathwaite, Shane Dowrich, Shai Hope, Kemar Roach and Carlos Brathwaite.
Wallace said that just like Garner, who is in his fourth twoyear term of office at the head of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), president of the TT Cricket Board Azim Bassarath recognises the importance of youth development.
Studying in Trinidad to become an attorney-at-law, Wallace said he is confident that the direction that both Barbados and TT have taken will produce cricketers to take West Indies out of their current slump.
“Trinidad and Tobago has a strong foundation with a development programme and national academy which is just fantastic and will continue to blossom in the years ahead with the players returning to the communities and giving back what they have learnt,” said Wallace.
The explosive right-hander also made a strong case for the acknowledgement and reward for coaches who he says play a major role in the development of cricketers, but who more often than not have to settle for a pat on the back or a drink in the pub while the products they help mould revel in fame and fortune.
Wallace said that in consonance with the changes in the game, players and administrators must learn to adapt or get left behind, similar to the fortunes of the West Indies team which he said missed the boat 20 years ago after dominating for almost two decades.
He said that the present generation of cricketers is being particularly challenged to keep faithful to their objectives as they are being continuously distracted by other issues away from the cricket field, including the proliferation and use of electronic handheld devices.
“You must have your goals firmly set in your minds, not be afraid to step out of the box, and seek advice and talk to the people that matter. Keep fighting to be the best and you will reap the rewards of your effort as the future belongs to young people like you,” said Wallace.
First Published In The Trinidad & Tobago Newsday.