January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Gibbs critical of turf
The forthright spin legend believes the wickets in this country are just not up to scratch for international cricket and are loaded heavily in favour of bowlers.
He said the fact that Bermuda had done so well, in spite of that, suggested there was a fair bit of natural talent on the island.
But if Bermuda was to make the most of its cricketing ability it needed to improve the standard of its strips - and the Government could start by lifting its ban on importing foreign soil.
It's not the first time Bermuda's pitches have come under fire with one report describing the wicket at National Stadium as a 'carrot patch'.
But Sports Minister Dale Butler said he was aware of the problem and was working with the Department of Environment to find a long-term solution.
Gibbs, who was meeting the minister today, is on the island as part of the build up to next summer's regional 20-20 tournament (not to be confused with the World Cricket Classic) to be held in Antigua next summer.
Cricket loving Texan business magnate Allen Stanford is putting up $28m for the tournament as part of a personal drive to improve the standard of cricket in the region.
The American, who apparently also owns two airlines and a restaurant called the 'sticky wicket', developed a passion for the game living in Antigua and is, according to Gibbs, doing all he can to improve the game.
So far 19 teams have signed up to take part in the tournament. They each get $250,000 to improve facilities and equipment at their home grounds as part of the deal.
The winner of the tournament will get $1million.
A team of former pros, including Gibbs, is travelling the region to make recommendations and discuss plans for how the cash can be best used.
That's why 71-year-old Gibbs, who took 300 wickets in a distinguished Test career was in Bermuda this week visiting the island's nine grounds and offering his typically forthright opinions on everything from soil quality at the national stadium to Dwayne ‘Sluggo’ Leverock's fluctuating weight.
Gibbs worked with Leverock at a spin bowling camp in Antigua a few years ago and always keeps an eye out for his former protégé.He said he was impressed with the amount of overs he bowled and had laughed out loud at his “we made it, mama,” comments after the ICC Trophy.
But he said he felt he would need to sharpen up in the field for 20-20 cricket.
“You can't have batsman being able to push the ball to you and take a single in 20/20 cricket. Its embarrassing,” he said.
His main beef though is with the wickets.
“The infrastructure is there but if you are going to maintain a high level of cricket you have got to have good wickets. This is where the Government should come in to give permission for soil to be imported that is conducive to good wickets.”
Gibbs said he could tell with just a quick examination of the wickets that it would be difficult, even for quality players, to score runs on them.
He said the fact that the West Indies and Barbados had both failed to notch up totals in excess of 200 at the National Centre last year suggested that something was wrong.
“I would have loved to live here. I would have gotten 1,000 wickets. It’s imperative that the Government allows this.
“You practice on good wickets you develop good technique you practice on bad wickets you become a fearful player. You’re never sure whether the ball will bounce up and hit you or stay low.”
He said better nets, slip catching machines, covers and pitch rollers were other things Bermuda cricket needed.
Equipment and training facilities, as well as good pitches, were important, he said, in attracting quality opposition to Bermuda.
Gibbs says he is a student of the game and has been following Bermuda's performances on CricInfo. “I know that Smithy got a hundred and Leverock bowled 50 odd overs,” he said of the recent clash with Kenya.
Gibbs was meeting the players on Friday and said he would be happy to offer advice.
He added that a more professional attitude was one thing Bermuda could improve on, on the world stage. But he did praise the success of the team and the performance of coach Gus Logie.[[In-content Ad]]
Comments:
You must login to comment.