Dear Mr. Editor,
There was an earthquake in Guyana cricket over the weekend. A young man named Brandon Jaikaran scored 400 runs not out after batting for one and a half days. Whether it is First Class or tin cup cricket, 400 runs is an achievement. This comes at a time when young men want to lash and flash over the top at everything that comes to them. Such a performance should be complimented, encouraged, and given an opportunity for further development.
I can recall people like Easton Mc Morris, Basil Butcher, Haniff Mohammed and recently, Brian Lara, who had that appetite for such hugh scores. The young Jaikaran adapted the thought that he can only make runs if he occupied the crease. You must bat and bat and bat more with concentration, keeping your eyes on the ball like such great men as Garfield Sobers, Wally Hammond can to achieve those scores. Today, West Indies are at the lowest point of cricket in history since 1928. Our colonial masters told us that cricket is a glorious game with great uncertainties. Our local calypsonians sang, “Cricket, lovely cricket’ at Lord’s, where I saw it. Cricket, lovely cricket, I will always want to see it.”
Let us use this young man’s performance to inspire clubs and counties. We must use the motto ‘If a young man is not interested in being a test player nor a national player, 4 days or 50 overs, Sir, he is a waste of time and clubs and counties would spend more effort in recreating culture in this country.” I could not bat or bowl but was determined to play the game, and I have one White Cup 100 for the Catholic Guild Club versus Banks DIH at Thirst Park.
I had two third class hundreds at Queens College playing for unknown teams, however, my pride in Case Cup cricket is I have two 50’s versus Everest at Police Sport Club. Police had the calibre of Captain Lloyd Harper, Gillian Gomes, and William Jeffrey, a national off spinner, Stephen Bamfield, wicket keeper, and Collie Solomon, national fast bowler in their team. Editor, could you give me this pride and joy of helping the West Indies and Guyana with one chance more where the children of slaves and indentured labourers return to their dominancy.
Sincerely,
Frank De Abreu
