WINDIES LEGENDS RECEIVE ICC HALL OF FAME CAPS DURING DIGICEL SERIES 2009

 

WINDIES LEGENDS RECEIVE ICC HALL OF FAME CAPS DURING DIGICEL SERIES 2009

 

Monday, February 16 – Antigua Recreation Ground, Antigua & Barbuda:  West Indian Cricket legends Sir Vivian Richards, Andy Roberts and Michael Holding were honoured on Monday when they were presented with their International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Hall of Fame caps. During a special ceremony held during lunch on Day 2 of the 3rd Digicel Test at the Antigua Recreation Ground, the three greats received their blue caps from the President of the West Indies Cricket Board, Dr Julian Hunte.

 

For Holding, the Jamaican who took 249 wickets in 60 Test matches between 1975 and 1987, the moment was extra special as it came on his 55th birthday: “I am truly honoured to have been named in the ICC Hall of Fame and to receive my cap. It’s a special moment for me.  It is always good to be remembered.”

 

Sir Viv was also delighted: “I am thrilled that the ICC and the people around the world have seen it fit to honour myself and other players who contributed to the game. To be honoured alongside Andy and Mikey – two guys who have been part of the journey with me for so many years - is simply great,” said the former West Indies captain and Antiguan National Hero, who made 8540 runs in 121 Tests with 24 centuries. “Thanks to everyone!”

 

In his heyday Roberts was a firey fast bowler and took 202 wickets in 47 Tests. Today he serves as the head of grounds at the Antigua Recreation Ground and has done a remarkable job in getting the facility ready for the 3rd Digicel Test match: “I enjoyed my days playing for the West Indies and representing the people of the West Indies. I am very happy to be honoured as a member of the ICC Hall of Fame. I will cherish the moment,” the 58-year-old said.

 

The three players were the first of 13 West Indian legends to be presented with their caps.  The remainder of the Legends will receive their Hall of Fame caps at other venues during the Digicel Series 2009.  The 13 West Indian Legends are: George Headley, Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Garfield Sobers, Rohan Kanhai, Lance Gibbs, Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Gordon Greenidge and Malcolm Marshall.

 

For match pictures, reports and stats visit www.digicelcricket.com

 

ENDS

 

HISTORICAL FACTS ON DIGICEL AND CRICKET

 

Digicel and West Indies Cricket

Digicel has been a proud sponsor of West Indies Cricket since 2004

 

West Indies Cricket

Historical Facts:

-       2004 – Digicel signed a five-year sponsorship deal with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and became ‘Proud Sponsor of West Indies Cricket’, this covers the;

o   West Indies Team

o   A-Team

o   Home Series

o   Away Series

o   Cricket Development Fund

 

-       2007 – Digicel extended its sponsorship contract to 2012. The contract now features;

o   Guaranteed US$20 million (US$4 million per annum)

o   Plus additional win bonuses for the team

 

West Indies Cricket Support Initiatives

-       Local support of youth cricket clubs, including Trinidad’s Digicel Harvard Cricket Clinic and Grenada’s Digicel St. George’s Cricket Academy

-       Digicel Cricket Coaching Clinics, which took place during the Summer of 2007 across the region and featured Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle, Dinesh Ramdin, Lance Gibbs, Sir Garfield Sobers and Ravi Rampaul. Also joining the clinics as Head Coaches were Kenny Benjamin and Keith Arthurton

-       Digicel Cricket Scholarship, which supported Jerome Taylor in his three-month stay in Leicestershire Cricket Club in the UK

-       Provided the necessary funds for a High Performance Manager – 2005 to 2007

-       Supplied a Psychologist – 2005 – 2007

-       Funded a Fielding Coach – England Away Tour 2007

-       Digicel Cricket Experience 2008

-       Major sponsor of TV broadcasts of all West Indies Away Series matches, as well as providing free TV broadcasts of the ODIs in Pakistan in November 2007

-       Free radio broadcasts of the Digicel Series 2009 to radio stations across the Caribbean

 

Individual West Indies Cricket Players

-       Digicel has individual sponsorship agreements with three West Indies Cricketers;

o   Chris Gayle (WI Captain)

o   Ramnaresh Sarwan (WI Vice Captain) TBC

o   Denesh Ramdin (Wicket Keeper)

 

-       Digicel also sponsors:

o   Sir Garfield Sobers

o   Lance Gibbs

STRAUSS' CENTURY MAKES WINDIES TOIL

STRAUSS' CENTURY MAKES WINDIES TOIL

 

Sunday, February 15 – Antigua Recreation Ground, Antigua & Barbuda: England captain Andrew Strauss hit a fluent 169 here Sunday as the West Indies were made to toil on a typically batsman-friendly pitch at the resurrected Antigua Recreation Ground.

 

At close on the first day of the third Digicel Test, the visitors reached 301-3, cheered on by 6,000 English supporters who swamped the handfuls of local fans.

 

Strauss, who hit 24 fours and one six off 278 balls, anchored the England effort with fine support from half centuries from Alastair Cook (52) and Owais Shah (57).

 

West Indies captain Chris Gayle, who won the toss, claimed one for 35 while Fidel Edwards struck late with the second new ball to earn one for 41.

 

There was a delayed start to the match, just long enough to renew painful memories of Friday's abandonment of the second Digicel Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

 

This time, however, it was wet run-ups caused by overnight and early morning rain that stalled progress but bright sunshine soon arrived to help ease any concerns.

 

Strauss began positively as the pitch, widely predicted to help the bowlers due to the ground staff's short notice, showed all the old characteristics of the ARG's batting-dominated past.

 

Despite his assured stroke-play, there were a few early worries for skipper Strauss. He was nine when Daren Powell had an opportunity to run him out but missed from square leg while, three short of a half century, Gayle dropped a sharp chance at slip off Sulieman Benn.

 

Strauss and Cook lunched at 58 without loss and stretched their fifth century opening stand to 123 before Gayle claimed the breakthrough.

 

Cook, who hit five fours off 134 balls, tried to cut an arm ball and deflected to slip where Devon Smith pouced a fine low catch after a bit of juggling.

 

Any West Indian optimism was soon doused by Strauss and his Middlesex team-mate Shah in an enterprising stand of 153 for the second wicket.

 

Strauss brought up his second century against the West Indies, off 167 balls, half hour before tea.

 

The right-hander Shah pushed onto his half century after the break as England threatened total domination.

 

Shah gifted West Indies his wicket midway through the final session, seeking a suicidal single and run out by Jerome Taylor on his follow through.

 

The 30-year-old hit eight fours and a six off 100 deliveries.

 

Strauss, who batted for ten minutes short of six hours, seemed set to see his side to the close but Edwards but removed him with the second new ball. The batsman miscued a pull for Edwards himself to grasp on his follow through.

 

Kevin Pietersen, eight not out, and night-watchman James Anderson, three not out, survived to the end.

 

 

TTFF NEWS - Yorke maintains positive vibe

 “Too early to drop our shoulders”

 

Those were the words of Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team captain Dwight Yorke as he parted from the rest of the National Team and headed back to Sunderland on Thursday following Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with El Salvador in 2010 World Cup Qualifying action.

 

Yorke, who was yellow carded during the encounter, which meant that he would miss the March 28 affair against Honduras in Port of Spain, faces an even lengthier suspension after being red carded after the final whistle for alleged dissent towards Mexican Referee Marco Rodriguez. The Referee’s report to the match commissioner stated that Yorke was shown the red for dissent but the card is expected to be under review.

 

“At the moment we were all very disappointed especially with the way some of the calls went But while we didn’t hang on the lead I think the way in which the events of the game turned out in the closing moments was very much against us and disappointing for all of Trinidad and Tobago,” Yorke told TTFF Media.

 

“But in saying that it’s important that as a team and a country, all the fans and the people involved in our football continue to believe in our efforts. I think sometimes we tend to press the panic button when we shouldn’t. Yes I know it’s a bit heart breaking the way we allowed the El Salvador team to come back into the match but if you look at the fact that we were 2-0 up and could have been even four of five goals ahead then I would say there were a lot of good things coming out of the game. We will review our mistakes and work on them,” Yorke added.

 

“The group has worked hard even though there obviously was not sufficient time to prepare together because of the game being played in midweek but hopefully we can work around this in the future. It’s still a long campaign ahead with nine matches and we have a point on the board.”

 

The former Manchester United hitman, now the number two coach at Sunderland, says he will still make the journey and join the T&T team in training ahead of the Honduras clash.

 

“I’ve already made my mind up and I’ve passed the message on that I will be with the team going into the next match. It’s important that as captain that I’m around and can train with the boys and get myself ready for the matches after that as well,” added Yorke, who also dismissed outside reports that he favoured Stern John for the penalty because of a close knit friendship.

 

“This team is unit that will get even better in the time coming up. That was what we had in the 2006 campaign and it’s going to be the same for this campaign. What we need to ensure is that we keep believing and we are spot on with our preparations and everything else relating to our matches both on and off the pitch,” Yorke concluded.

 

Meantime, this week the administrative and technical staff of the National Team will meet at its offices at Kantac Plaza to review the reports relating to the Argentina training camp and El Salvador encounter as well as begin planning towards the preparation scheme leading up to the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Honduras (March 28 in Port of Spain) and United States (April 4 in Nashville).

Latapy and Cornell Glen arrive in el Salvador

‘Warriors’ arrive in opposition territory

Twelve members of country’s National Senior Team arrived in San Salvador on close to midnight on Wednesday less than a week from the upcoming 2010 World Cup Qualifier against El Salvador at the Estadio Cuscatlan at 7pm (9pm T&T time).

The twelve players including assistant coach Russell Latapy completed the journey from Buenos Aires via Panama City and checked in at the Radisson Plaza Hotel where they will stay for the duration of trip. The eight overseas-based players will join the camp on Sunday.

With Francisco Maturana in Los Angeles for Friday’s friendly international between El Salvador and Peru, Latapy is heading the team currently and took part in a pool session on Thursday evening along with the rest of players.

There was a host of media representatives present upon the team’s arrival at the airport with television cameramen and photographers situated at vantage positions and some others following the bus’ exit from the airport. At the Radisson on Thursday from as early as 9am there was a steady presence of photographers in the hotel lobby. But they have no access to the section of the hotel which is a separate structure accommodating the T&T contingent located some 200 metres apart from the main lobby.

The reception received by the team upon arrival here was by no means as rowdy as the one given to the team as it exited the Los Andes Stadium on Tuesday following their 2-1 loss to the Argentine Second Division club. Players were mugged by anxious locals while on their way to the bus and Maturana had to be shielded as some tried to make contact with one fan aggressively trying to remove the Colombian’s Adidas Cap off his head, pushing him slightly in the process.

The closing warm up, witnessed by 1,500 fans on a scorching hot afternoon was the only defeat of the tour for the visitors. Juan Martin netted a double before half time while Anthony Wolfe had scored to level it at 1-1.The game was scheduled as a 80-minute affair but the referee ended proceedings five minutes before time for no apparent reason as T&T tried for the equalizer.

“The result I was not too pleased with but it’s the end of what has been good training camp for us in Argentina. All the players are healthy and have been through a very good work out during our time here,” Maturana told TTFF Media.

“Now we have to look ahead to the upcoming days in El Salvador because the main event will happen there on Wednesday. That is where we play for the real points. Nothing from the past will matter so whether we have won the games against them or not, everything depends on Wednesday’s match and we will continue our work towards ensuring that Trinidad y Tobago gets the start that we all want,” he added.

Latapy will conduct an on field session at a nearby Stadium on Friday. The former Falkirk man’s first act on arrival was to ensure that the focus switch was turned on again.

“We had a long trip over to here and a chapter of this trip while we were in Argentina has ended so it’s important that as a team we switch our focus on again which is to play football and take care of things on Wednesday. Nothing else should take priority at this time other than to ensure we do everything in relation to our task here in the next qualifying match,” Latapy said.

TTFF NEWS - Squad named for WCQ vs El Salvador

Head Coach Francisco Maturana finalized and announced a 20-man Trinidad and Tobago squad that will travel to San Salvador for the upcoming final round 2010 World Cup Qualifying fixture with El Salvador at the Estadio Cuscatlan on February 11.

Along with Assistant Coach Russell Latapy, the  Colombian made the decision to carry two extra players from the current training camp in Argentina. The players on tour were informed of their selections at a meeting at the Hindu Camp on Monday afternoon. Eight players will return to Port of Spain on Wednesday while the other twelve along with the members of the team staff will depart for San Salvador via Panama City. The team is expected to arrive in San Salvador and check into the Radisson Hotel close to midnight.

Captain Dwight Yorke will arrive in El Salvador on Sunday along with seven other UK-based players. They include Sunderland duo Carlos Edwards and Kenwyne Jones, Walsall goalkeeper Clayton Ince, Brighton midfielder Chris Birchall, Crewe Alexandra defender Dennis Lawrence, Bristol City striker Stern John and Wrexham utility player Silvio Spann.

A mutual decision was taken that Swansea City striker Jason Scotland not  travel for the match on February 11. Swansea boss Roberto Martinez expressed concern over the player’s first hand availability for their FA Cup clash with Fulham the Saturday after the World Cup qualifier. And after discussions with Scotland himself and his agent Mike Berry, it was mutually agreed that the player be excused from the qualifying encounter, according to Latapy.

The list of players who were involved in Argentina, included in the final squad are W Connection goalkeeper Marvin Phillip and midfielder Clyde Leon, Clico San Juan Jabloteh midfielder Trent Noel, Caledonia AIA’s Densill Theobald, Puerto Rico Islanders’ Kendall Jagdeosingh, Joe Public defender Keyeno Thomas, Defence Force’s Aklie Edwards, striker Cornell Glen, North East Stars’ Anthony Wolfe, United Petrotrin’s Makan Hislop and Latapy.

Maturana heads off to Los Angeles on Thursday to view a friendly international between El Salvador and Peru which leaves Latapy in charge of the team until Sunday. Two full sessions will take place on Monday and Tuesday prior to Wednesday’s opener for the “Soca Warriors”.

“We have looked at all the possibilities and we believe this is the selection that can take us through the game and help us get the best possible result. It is never easy to come up with the best team but a lot of thought and consideration has gone into it and now we must focus totally on using these players in the right way. I believe they are have the quality to make a very strong team and similarly give a strong performance on the pitch to help us achieve success,” Maturana told TTFF Media.

Assistant coach Latapy also shared his views on the final team selection.

“Our objective in coming to Argentina was to get the team to a level of fitness that is conducive to international football and also to a level of technical awareness and I think that we have achieve this. In terms of naming the squad, all the boys here have done well and it’s always hard when you have to say to players that they didn’t make the squad. It’s  always going to be different players for sometimes different games and tactics,” Latapy told TTFF Media.

He said the decision to carry two extra players was a way of rewarding the players for their showing in Argentina.

“Some of these guys are young and they are the future of the national team so the faster we can expose them to these kind of atmospheres the better it will be for them and for Trinidad and Tobago football.  We have to use every opportunity we get to do this. But we also have to recognise that they all raised their level of performance, attitude and discipline during this tour which meant it was even harder to decide on 18 players only,” Latapy added.

Both coaches also met with all 20 players in Argentina on Tuesday morning, thanking them for their efforts during the trip and making it known that they will be monitored and involved again in the future. The players returning to Trinidad include Akeil Guevera, Seon Power, Errol McFarlane, Lester Peltier, Jan Michael Williams, Kevaughn Connell, Andre Pacheco and Robert Primus.

 

T&T were carded to play their final tour match against Second Division club Atletico Los Andes on Tuesday evening in Buenos Aires.

 

 

MEDIA RELEASE -- Windies coach looks ahead to Digicel Series 2009

Windies set for tough work ahead

 

The West Indies Team is promising to be tough and competitive when they face England in the 1^st Digicel Test Match at Sabina Park. This is according to Head Coach John Dyson as the team prepared for their training session on Monday afternoon.

 

“The team can take a lot out of the New Zealand series which we played late last year and earlier this year. We played hard and we had a very good team spirit. We are really looking forward to this series against England,” Dyson said. “There are no easy teams around in world cricket. All series are going to be hard, but as always if our guys play as well as I know we can, they can come out of the series looking pretty good. I believe the series will be very competitive.”

 

The Head Coach added: “We’re  not long after the New Zealand series so I expect the team spirit to be as good as it was when we there. We are at home, in our own territory. We know the conditions very well and we’re happy to play again in the sunshine and we are far happier with the weather here.”

 

The West Indies will have their second training session on Tuesday morning and Dyson noted that all the players were ready for the battle at hand. The 1^st Digicel Test bowls off on Wednesday at 10 am (11 am Eastern Caribbean Time)

 

“Right now it’s a matter if putting the final preparations in place for the 1^st Test match. We are looking for major contributions from all the players. I expect a good, hard series and I expect us to do very well. ”

 

SQUAD: Chris Gayle (Captain), Lionel Baker, Sulieman Benn, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Fidel Edwards, Amit Jaggernauth, Xavier Marshall, Brendan Nash, Daren Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Dale Richards, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devon Smith, Jerome Taylor

 

STAFF: Omar Khan (Team Manager), John Dyson (Head Coach), David Williams (Assistant Coach), C.J. Clark (Physio), Steve Folkes (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Richard Berridge (Analyst), Philip Spooner (Media Officer), Virgil Browne (Massage Therapist)

 

Full tour itinerary for England in the West Indies for the Digicel Series 2009:

 

February 4-8: 1st Digicel Test

At Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica

 

February 13-17: 2nd Digicel Test

At Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua

 

February 21-22: vs Barbados Cricket Association’s President’s XI

At Windward Cricket Club, St Philip, Barbados

 

February 26 to March 2: 3rd Digicel Test

At Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

 

March 6-10: 4th Digicel Test

At Queen’s Park Oval, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad

 

March 14: vs West Indies Players Association XI

(Venue to be determined)

 

March 15: Digicel T20 International

At Queen’s Park Oval, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad

 

March 20: 1st Digicel One-Day International

At National Stadium, Providence, Guyana

 

March 22: 2nd Digicel One-Day International

At National Stadium, Providence, Guyana

 

March 27: 3rd Digicel One-Day International

At Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

 

March 29: 4th Digicel One-Day International

At Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

 

April 3: 5th Digicel One-Day International

At Beausejour Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia