Barbados: Local Boys Satisfied With 'A' Team Tour (20 December 1998)

20 December 1998

Barbados: Local Boys Satisfied With 'A' Team Tour

By Philip Spooner

The Barbadian players just back from the West Indies "A" team to India and Bangladesh are heartened by their performances.

Opening batsman Adrian Griffith and wicket-keeper Courtney Browne spoke to The Sun On Saturday yesterday about their personal achievements on the just-concluded trip.

Griffith, a tall, lanky left-hander, was the best batsman in the two "Test" matches, while Browne had a fine time behind the stumps.

"It was a good tour for me," said the 27-year-old Griffith who had scores of 93, 14, two and 67 in the Tests.

"My only disappointment was that I got starts throughout the tour but did not carry on to get big scores."

Browne was also happy with his efforts, saying that what pleased him most was his ability to cope well in foreign conditions.

"I did not make any real changes to my game. I just focused more and concentrated harder on the job," said Browne who celebrated his 28th birthday last week.

"I knew I would be one of the senior players so I had to pull my weight."

Two other Barbadians made the trip. Opener Sherwin Campbell struggled before finding form at the end, while left-arm pacer Pedro Collins was consistent throughout.

Griffith said his best moment on tour was his 93 on the opening day of the first "Test" at Bangalore when batting was a bit difficult.

"The ball was seaming around and conditions were totally in the bowlers' favour. I knew I had to hang in there and get a score for the team," he said.

"After doing all the hard work of seeing off the top bowlers, I was really disappointed to fall short (of the century)."

Browne was happy with his performances behind and in front the stumps.

"There was a lot of spin and I thought I handled it pretty well." he said "My best moment was in the first Test when I held a high catch to my left from opener (Sadagopan) Ramesh off (Carl) Tuckett."

Browne said at that stage the game was in the balance with Ramesh going well. His catch helped to swing the game in the West Indies' favour.

Both players agreed that the tour offered them enough scope and insight to aim for a place on the senior team against Australia.

"I aim to keep my form and get some big scores for Barbados in the upcoming Busta Cup," Griffith said.

Browne added that he too aims to do well for his country and "with the Australians coming, you have to put yourself in line (for selection)".

"The only way you have a chance is if you are in line," he said.

Source :: The Barbados Nation (https://www.nationnews.com/)