January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Tour is helping build confidence and team unity
We left St. Vincent successful having won two of the three matches. It's definitely helping build confidence, especially when we leave all the islands on a winning note. Winning always brings confidence and team unity.
We still have more unity to build - we're not fully there yet. We still need to really root for each other and congratulate your team-mates when they do well. It's not there yet, but we're on the right course.
My Achilles was bothering me when I got my century. I really can't take a rest because Stephen's (Outerbridge) gone back to school and Jekon (Edness) and Glenn (Blakeney) isn't here so are batting is a little thin.
So there's no time rest, but it's always rewarding to get a century. I keep saying that 50s keep you in a match and 100s win matches. There have been a few times where I have been in the 70s and 80s but failed to go on to get a 100. I was fortunate to return from injury to get my 100.
The training that we're going through is the hardest that we've ever been through. Even the young guys have aches and pains - obviously less than the senior guys have - so it's nice to have a day off.
Our 12th man
The physio, Craig Brown, has done a great job of staying on top of all our little niggles to make sure we get treatment. I have probably spent more time in the physio bed getting treatment than in my own bed. He's helped us with our after game warm downs and ice baths and other things to help keep us in top shape.
Younger guys
I'm really impressed with all the younger guys I've been working with. Fiqre Crockwell is under my wing and my roommate and he's been scoring consistent runs. He got a 90 the other day and was upset he didn't go on to get a 100, but he's showing progress. The more he plays against this type of opposition, the more he's learning.
Tamauri Tucker is getting wickets and he's been impressive too. He just got the first five wicket haul on the tournament on Monday.
Arthur Pitcher has only played a couple of times at the beginning of the tour because he's been injured, but hopefully he'll get in one or two more matches before the end of the tour.
I've been impressed with all of them and the amount of work they're putting in. They're putting themselves forward for when the final 15 comes around for selection for the World Cup Qualifiers. They are making the most of their opportunities.
Who will make the squad?
At this point, players are picking themselves for the team. It's not all about what they do on the field either. Who has a good attitude? Who's willing to put in extra work? These are the things that could make a difference when coach has to decide on the last few spots for the team.
Guys can't expect to have a bad head and be on the team. It has to be a package deal.
The best player doesn't always make it because it has to be what's best for the team.[[In-content Ad]]
Comments:
You must login to comment.