Campbell keeping chin up

Sherwin Campbell is not too worried about his recent run of depressing form or about whispers that his position as Barbados captain could be under threat.

The former West Indies opening batsman and vice-captain has not made any substantial runs since returning to competitive cricket in late September after a three-month lay-off because of a shoulder injury.

Of course if you are not scoring runs you will think about it, but I am trying not to think about it too much, he told NATIONSPORT.

I am just trying to remain positive all the time and always think about the next score around the corner.

Campbell's comments came after the second Busta Series trial match last weekend in which he was dismissed in singledigits to fast bowler Fidel Edwards in both innings.

It comes down to spending some time in the nets, he said.

I haven't been batting as long as I would want in the middle. I need to get long practices and spend a lot of time getting my feet moving again.

He has even considered other options, and engaged in tapeball cricket in Black Rock last week.

In recent weeks, rumours have surfaced that Campbell, Barbados' captain for the past year, could be replaced for next year's Busta Series by either of former Barbados skippers Philo Wallace or Courtney Browne or former West Indies youth captain Ryan Hinds.

You have heard talk going around about the captaincy and this and that, Campbell said. It has not affected me.

I captained in the Red Stripe Bowl this year and I thought I did a fairly good job. I am not too worried about the captaincy at the moment.

He said his priority is to get some runs under his belt, and he does not believe that it is a case of trying to prove a point to the selectors.

I've been playing for Barbados for a number of years and I've played for the West Indies as well.

I am not new to this game. The selectors should know my ability by now.

Campbell, however, acknowledged that no player's place in any team is ever certain.

If you are playing cricket, you always think about your place in any team, he said.

You're always looking to get a score to keep your name in the selectors' minds and to keep yourself in the team. Those things come across your mind, but you try not to focus on those things.

In spite of his modest performances during last month's Red Stripe Bowl and the latter phase of the Courts Suzuki Division 1 championship, he does not agree with those who feel he is past his best.

I am still quite a young man and I feel I still have a lot left in me, said Campbell, who turned 31 on November 1.

I am sure that there is still a lot of cricket left in me to play. I still reckon that I can score and score consistently for a while to come.

Campbell was the West Indies' most consistent opener a few years ago, but lost his place after the tour of Australia that ended last January. In 51 Tests, he has scored 2 856 runs at an average of 32.82.