by MIKE WORRELL

JUST LAST YEAR the names of a number of youngsters, who had shown great promise, were part of Barbados' first class squad. Players the likes of Kirk Edwards, Derek Bishop, Kenroy Williams, Ryan Wiggins and Kevin Stoute.

This year, of these only Kevin Stoute has made the squad, but to date he has not made the final 11. Shamarh Brooks, Jonaton Carter and Jason Haynes are the new kids on the block.

I have been hearing so much about the development of our youngsters but to date I have not seen any continuity in the selection processes of Barbados' selectors that would allow these youngsters to develop to their true potential.

When Kemar Roach could be dropped after his performance against Guyana there has to be something wrong with Barbados' selection process.

Unfortunately the selectors are not the only problem. We have a very short first class season, which does not offer many second chances for players if they fail early in the season.

The players themselves are not without blame and must realise that at this level one has to give their best performances all the time. Consistency is the key.

Cricket, they say, is a game of glorious uncertainty. What I can definitely say is certain is that if you do not prepare you will fail. From what I have observed a lot of players are not prepared mentally or physically to play this wonderful but very challenging game.

Congratulations must definitely go out to the Combined Campuses and Colleges for their massive victory against mighty Barbados.

I am particularly happy, not only because of my involvement with the team, but in the way they fought after the opening loss against Jamaica.

Special mention goes out to Jason Bennett and Tino Best who delivered whole-heartedly each time they were called upon by their respective captains. Also Floyd Reifer, who together with Shirley Clarke strategised to the demise of the Barbados team.

Roland Butcher, the director of sports at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, has seen to it that the needs of the players are addressed.The support staff consisted of the following: June Rudder – trainer; Andrew Simpsons – physiotherapist; Richard Straker – head coach; Wendell Coppin – cricket coach; Michael Worrell – wicketkeeper coach; and Roland Butcher assisted at times.

A tremendous opportunity to showcase their talents was provided to players like Kirk Wilkinson, Nekoli Parris and Jamal Smith who in no doubt would not be considered in Barbados' set up.

Waiting in the wings are Jason Parris and Collis Worrell to name a few others.

Mike Worrell is a former Barbados and West Indies B wicket-keeper/batsman.