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You've played, coached and watched the game for well over fifty years. What major differences do you see between the players of your time and the players of today?

I don't see the same love and passion for the sport that we had in my day, but I guess that was due to the different times we lived in. When I was young there was not a lot to do except play cricket, football or go swimming. Because we played the game so much we grew up with a love of the sport. There are also very few experienced players around involved to help guide the youngsters. Most have to learn the game on their own and don't have the benefit of older players around to help them.

This slows up their development because by the time they figure it all out it is time for them to retire. I can recall as a youngster playing a match for Social Club against St. George's where Captain Clayton Richardson had me opening the batting with 'Gyp' Tuzo, a senior player in the side. I faced Kenny Smith who was one of their quickest bowlers, he hit me in the chest and then in the ribs. 'Gyp' walked down the wicket toward me and told me to just get a single and he would take care of Kenny. I managed to get a run, and then watched as 'Gyp' took Kenny apart. I spent most of my time at the other end and got seventy odd that day. Back then the experienced players helped the youngsters.

Also, many young players today don't seem willing to listen to those of us who have played the game. It's like anyone over thirty doesn't know what they are talking about. I can recall going to Jamaica with the Pond Hill stars as a mature cricketer. In that match we were knocked down for under thirty runs with Roy Gilchrist claiming eight wickets. However, a Jamaican coach who happened to witness the game, took John Stovell and myself, who were the opening bats aside and worked with us. He taught us how to deal with Gilchrist and we listened. Two weeks later Pond Hill faced Gilchrist again but John and I were ready and we put together a 99 opening stand. That was as a result of good coaching and being prepared to listen.

You watched the World Cup, what did you think of our boys' performance?

It seems to me the boys trained hard and tried their best but when I looked at the way we batted and the way we bowled I saw some serious faults in their technique. I don't believe Gus Logie can do it alone. I think we need to get a specialist batting coach to work with the batsmen, a specialist fast bowling coach to help the fast bowlers and a specialist spin bowling coach to work with the spinners. We need to work with the players to help them improve their technique.[[In-content Ad]]

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