An official of the West Indies High Performance Centre has praised the work ethic and the personal development shown by the 15 young players that were part of the first intake.
Simon Grayson, the elite performance coach, said he has seen the players improve their life skills, social interaction, self-belief, and desire for success, since entering the programme last year.
“This HPC programme has had many highlights, but for me the major positive has been having 15 men of whom the West Indian public should be proud,” he said.
“They have all improved by ensuring they remained positive and disciplined throughout a tough work schedule with exceptionally high standards. Three players have already been called into the West Indies senior squad, with five being selected in the West Indies A-Team.
He added: “I have spent time with the first team in Tests, One-day Internationals, the Twenty20 World Championship, and the World Cup, and I know that the many good things that Ottis Gibson and Darren Sammy have implemented are similar to the standards we are achieving here at the HPC.
“The work ethos and commitment to improving are aligned in both set-ups, which will ensure the smooth progression for players with high potential evolving into fully-fledged international careers.”
Grayson said the 15 players had all grown to become better men and their cricket on the field had also improved.
He gave two examples of the feedback that he has received from fast bowler Shannon Gabriel and wicketkeeper/batsman Devon Thomas.
“We have had some really encouraging signs with player improvement because of their increased understanding of both themselves and their games,” he said.
“Shannon spoke to me recently and said that he is not sure how he has developed as a cricketer, but he’s positive that he has developed as a person, and because of that his cricket has improved as well.”
Grayson said: “Devon informed me that his grandfather was amazed with the man who came back to Antigua after the first three-month semester. Devon said, ‘he didn’t recognise me because I spent more time with him and his friends. I was more social, a better person, and I enjoyed doing it’.
“These are just a couple of examples of the way the players and their families feel they have matured and improved their lives. I would have to say that all 15 players have stepped forward, but there is still more developing to do. They have a solid foundation from which to build a successful career.”
The second semester of the HPC will come to an end this week and will climax with two 50-over matches.
An HPC squad will face a Barbados Select XI on Tuesday at the Windward Sports Club, and then meet the University of the West Indies on Thursday at Kensington Oval under lights. (CMC)
