By Neto Baptiste
Former West Indies fast bowler, Kenneth “Flipper” Benjamin, believes that two trial matches being put on by the Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB) serves no purpose.
The Antiguan, who also represented the sub-regional team between 1988 and 1999, clarified that with the board already having contracted 15 players ahead of January’s four-day competition, putting on trial matches at this time serves little to no purpose.
“Leeward Islands had what they called two trial matches where these are so important that the chairman of Leeward Islands selectors did not want the coach to play the matches because he was not going to be there to pick players. If you have already contracted 15 players, wouldn’t it make more sense that you spend the time and sharpen up these guys skills for the first couple of four-day matches? You would have guys in the fringes who you would have a look at that you could always say to them that we can call you in anytime so stay in shape. Why are we still having trials for Leeward Islands when you’re paying 15 guys every month because you say these guys are your elite players and plus, you have some who have contracts with West Indies,” he said.
A number of players from across the Leeward Islands are currently competing in three-day matches at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, hoping to impress selectors ahead of the four-day competition.
Benjamin posited that the LICB should move to reintroduce the three-day competition, which would serve as a better platform for selection.
“I am hearing they are going to have a three-day tournament but I’ve been hearing that now for years but they need to have these tournaments so that the coaches and selectors can see the players. So if Jimbo [Rahkeem Cornwall] is injured and I don’t have somebody inside the 15 contracted players to replace him then this is the person I am going to have in mind so I am going to tell this guy to stay fit, stay sharp because you can get a call at anytime,” he said.
In the first match contested between the Hayden Walsh Jr XI and Rahkeem Cornwall XI, strong batting performances highlighted by centuries from Hayden Walsh Jr and Shelton Forbes came to the fore.
Walsh Jr’s team posted an imposing first innings total of 437 all out in 101 overs, anchored by two outstanding centuries. Shelton Forbes crafted a magnificent 128 off 183 balls, including 10 fours and six sixes, while captain Walsh Jr contributed an attacking 123 from 142 deliveries, featuring 18 boundaries and one six. Colin Archibald provided valuable lower-order support with a well-made 54.
Cornwall’s XI’s response was disappointing as they were bundled out for just 110 in 48.2 overs. Karima Gore’s fighting 53 was the only significant contribution.
