Ashwell Prince's Caribbean diary

So what can I tell you about Barbados. If the weather this week is anything to go by, the summers are unbelievably hot. Their beaches are lovely super venues for the regular beach parties which they have here.

And the wickets, from what I've seen so far, are going to be quick and bouncy. But let me start at the beginning by sharing with you the result of my attempts to keep a fully up-to-date diary.

FRIDAY 18 AUGUST Our plane touches down at Grantley Adams International Airport, Barbados at 8.30pm and we're dead tired. Our long trek began almost 30 hours earlier, when we took off from Johannesburg International en route to New York. It took 17 hours to reach the Big Apple; from there it was another 4 hours to Miami and, finally, another 3 to Barbados. We reach our hotel at 10.30 and the only thing that most of us can think of is s-l-e-e-p.

SATURDAY 19 AUGUST It's wonderful what a little shut-eye and a non-airline breakfast can do for your energy levels after what seemed like days on an aircraft seat. We decide to go to the beach. The beaches are lovely and just as well: it's an unbelievably hot day, and the dip we take is most welcome. We have a little run around in the late afternoon footie and fielding (odds against evens). The odds win, with yours truly instrumental in setting up the victory. We spend the night at the Boatyard night club.

SUNDAY 20 AUGUST Another very hot and sticky day! But now it's time for the serious part of the tour. We have our first full practice at Wanderers, a local club for which Benkies (Dale Benkenstein) played when he spent some time here. The pitch looks similar to the pitches we played on during our tour to the sub-continent - not a blade of grass on it. In this case, though, it's a case of an appearance proving deceptive. Instead of playing slow and low, this pitch has bounce and a big carry. All our batters have a workout against all our bowlers. At the end of the session, the bowlers are out on their feet. Fortunately, they get the afternoon off. Most of them head for the beach to soak away their aches and pains. Vic (Victor Mpitsang) and I take off to the gym. I don't believe in spending too much time in the sun. It takes a lot out of you.

MONDAY 21 AUGUST The day before the first game. We have another middle wicket practice. The pitch is flat and there are no sight-screens. All the batsmen have another go as do most of the bowlers. No question about it: the guys have switched into serious cricket mode. I must say, though, it's easy to get distracted in a place like this what with a golf course, tennis courts, beaches and beach parties all within strolling distance of our hotel. Even the West Indies Cricket Association is trying to make the tour feel like as much of a holiday as possible. But despite the potential distractions, everyone is very focussed. We are all only too aware of the importance of this tour.

TUESDAY 22 AUGUST The first of four days against Barbados. It is raining when we get to the ground. It is a good cricket wicket, but we lose the toss and are sent in to bat. At close of play, we're on 245 for 7, with the main contributions coming from Justin Ontong (57), Dale Benkenstein (57), yours truly (Ashwell Prince)(51 not out) and Doug Watson (35). Most of our batsmen spend some time at the crease. Although Smithy (Graham Smith) does not get many, he looks comfortable during his stint at the wicket. Puppy (Charl Willoughby) is looking forward to bowling on this pitch what with its good bounce and carry. After the day's proceedings, we're invited out for a meal and meet Gary Sobers, Dezi(Desmond) Haynes and Frankie Stephenson. A perfect end to a rather satisfactory day.

I'm tired now time for bed. Until next time Cheers! Ashwell