Codville Rogers

The Kittitian-born Codville Rogers, a tall and lankily built left-handed batsman who is a natural stroke maker, possesses the sort of timing and finesse comparable to top-flight players especially when playing with a vertical blade. While he remains particularly confident when executing cross-batted shots, it has often brought about his demise in some particularly unwieldy ways. He is most comfortable to fast bowling and his upright stance and free flowing arms allow him to pierce the offside field with utter grace. Against slower leather-flingers he is sometimes found wanting through a lack of positive footwork. Ironically, this manner of play, which befits a batsman with the least care in the world, has allowed him to produce substantial performances against high quality opponents. In a game against the England test team on their 2009 tour of the West Indies, his two half-centuries for the St. Kitts-Nevis Invitational XI left many spectators, a few journalists and perhaps some of the English players wondering why he is unable to play in an under performing Leeward islands team in the regional first class competition. As it were, selection policy in the set of small northern islands of the Lesser Antilles is perceived to have a deliberate intent. Some islands, although possessing strong teams and quality players, appear to have a quota on the number of players they can have on the Leeward Islands team at any one time. There is a feeling which is shared by many in St. Kitts that their players fall in this category. With the exception of the Virgin Islands-a relatively new member to Leeward Islands cricket - St. Kitts is the only territory in the sub-region of tiny islands that is yet to have a representative player on the West Indies team. Truth be told, the island has produced one test player, Joey Benjamin, who played one test for England in 1994. Notwithstanding, the psychology of this hurtful experience cannot be understated. The island deserves better.

Although Rogers fancies his bowling, it is nothing more than the friendly, slow, non-turning stuff, presumably with the intent of obtaining wickets more through reckless batting than bowling guile. Maturing quickly, perhaps aided by his full-time occupation as a coach with the Ministry of Sports, Rogers is prime to assume more leadership responsibilities within his national team. A born-again Christian and appears to be at peace with himself and his accomplishments, he is the ultimate team-player who is quick and unhesitant in supporting his fellowmen. In cricketing years, he is at the point where most players are at their peak. Every opportunity must count. He has been omitted from the Leeward Islands first class cricket team for more than a year now. However, his standout performance against England in early 2009 might prove to be sufficient to force his way back into contention. Colin Cannonier