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At 53, towering West Indies legend Joel Garner, was one of the oldest players involved in last week's 20-20 World Cricket Classic.

But while the 6ft 8ins pace bowler, nick-named Big Bird, has obviously lost some of the terrifying pace and bounce that used to leave batsmen cowering at the crease back when Caribbean cricket ruled the world, he's lost none of the know-how.

He bowled just six-and-a-half overs last week, but was comfortably the competition's best bowler, taking six wickets and going at a rate of less than four an over.

Bermuda's cricketers will get to benefit from a little-bit of that class and experience as Garner visits clubs around the island this week to pass on tips to some of our top young bowlers.

He took some time out from his schedule to share his views on Bermuda's World Cup hopes, the demise of West Indies cricket and Brian Lara's captaincy.

How did you enjoy the 20-20 World Cricket Classic?

I think most of the players enjoyed it and brought the interest back to the game.

I only play cricket for charity these days. I think the whole thing is to enjoy what you are doing, we were all having fun and that's when you play well.

The main thing was to make sure the tournament was a success.

What was your view of the Bermuda team?

I think the problem that you are going through is that the team is not professional. Most of the fellas work and they come in from work and they play cricket. If they are going to improve they're going to have to spend a lot more time practicing and working on their game.

What could the fast-bowlers do to improve?

It's very difficult for me to say they could do ‘x’ or they could do ‘y’ and they would improve. They have a coach who works hands-on with them and who will be able to look at them and be in a better position to analyse what they need to do to improve.

What was your view of the decision to reappoint Brian Lara as West Indies captain?

I don't think so. He was captain on two occasions before and was never able to mould the team and I don't see the wisdom in bringing him back for a third term.

He was already captain twice and the record shows that he didn't have a lot of success.

What about the state of West Indies cricket as a whole? What's gone wrong since your day?

It would take a whole year to talk about that. The biggest problem you have got in terms of the cricket is attitude — how the fellas think about the game. They don't work as hard, they are not as professional as they could be and they don't think about the game enough. Until things change at the top in terms of how we run cricket then things won't improve. We have a lot of players with some ability but that's about it.

Do you think Allen Stanford's Caribbean 20-20 tournament and the investment he has made will make a difference?

It will generate interest. It's a step in the right direction. The West Indies Cricket Board has never injected that kind of money into cricket. The Stanford 20-20 will do that. Every island gets funds for preparation and development - not just for the senior team, but for under-15s and for under-19s and for improving coaching as well. They need to have special targeted programmes and investment in cricket and not mix it in with football and other sports. Cricket needs special attention.

Bermuda has drawn Jamaica in that competition. What sort of game can they expect?

Everybody looks at cricket differently. Every game is a tough game. You’ve got to have the right mental approach. It doesn’t make a difference if you're playing against Jamaica or Dominica. It should still be competitive.The whole thing is that the team should be mentally prepared and physically prepared to compete.

What advice will you be giving to Bermuda's young cricketers this week?

Try to practice as hard as they can and be prepared to listen and take advice that can help them become better players.[[In-content Ad]]

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