Estwick upset by Bobb-ing

KINGSTON - Roddy Estwick is perplexed that the Windward Islands were able to draft in key all-rounder Alston Bobb into their squad at the 11th hour for their regional under-19 semifinal clash that ended in a narrow defeat for Barbados two days ago.

Bobb, the Windwards' captain last season and a student of Combermere, where Estwick is cricket master, was originally not chosen for their 14-man squad because of commitments at the Shell Cricket Academy of St George's University and his subsequent selection for the St Vincent and the Grenadines in the Red Stripe Bowl.

Since St Vincent and the Grenadines are playing in the Jamaica Zone of the Bowl, Bobb has been in the country for more than a week and on location when the Windwards were given clearance on the eve of the match against Barbados to seek a replacement following an injury to wicket-keeper Lyndon James.

Barbados were unaware of the move and were stunned to see Bobb at the Kensington club ground when they turned up for the match on Thursday.

"I was very shocked to hear at the last minute he was brought in," Estwick told the SUNSPORT after Barbados lost the match in which Bobb made a significant contribution.

"It's only professional courtesy that whoever made the decision should have contacted us and given us 24 hours' notice that there was a replacement. You have to plan for team meetings. "It is just basic amateurish (stuff) at that level."

Had Bobb not been drafted into the Windward Islands youth team, he would have been preparing with his fellow Vincentians to face the senior Barbados team in a Red Stripe Bowl contest that was played at Chedwin Park yesterday.

Instead, he was facing Barbados' juniors and made a telling impact by delivering ten overs of mean left-arm spin in which he conceded only 19 runs and also effected a run out with a brilliant pick-up and direct throw from the covers that ended Kirk Edwards' innings.

Bobb also made 15 and was instrumental in marshalling the Windwards' forces when they were in the field. At times, he looked as the one in charge.

When the SUNday Sun enquired from Windwards coach Emmanuel Nanthan on the circumstances that led to Bobb's late inclusion, he responded by saying once a doctor's certificate confirmed that their wicket-keeper Lyndon James was injured, they were given clearance to replace him in their 14-man squad.