Great expectations

Jason Parris is a young and still relatively inexperienced cricketer.

As captain-elect of the Barbados youth team however, the 18-year-old speaks like someone who knows what is required to cope with one of the most difficult jobs in the game.

'When things are going well, everyone is happy and cheerful, but there might be days when everything does not go well.

'Individuals on the field might start to waver and you, as captain and leader, need to motivate the fellas as best as possible and encourage the guys,' Parris told Nationsport.

Since he is aware of the responsibilities, fans can feel confident that the leadership of Barbados is in capable hands in their quest to retain the regional under-19 title.

Captaincy and success are nothing new to Parris.

He was Barbados' Under-15 captain in 1997 when the team swept to the title with a 100 per winning record. When a West Indies All-Star team was chosen after the tournament, he was appointed vice-captain.

The experience of leading the Combined Schools North for the last two seasons has also prepared him for what he believes is a 'very big challenge'.

'Sometimes captaincy can be difficult and you need to be thinking all the time,' the Barbados Community College student admitted.

As a product of the Ellerslie School, which is quickly becoming a nursery for Barbados cricket teams, Parris is following in the footsteps of four others Carlisle Best, Sherwin Campbell, Philo Wallace and Shirley Clarke who have captained Barbados teams at various levels.

Like those four, Parris is also an opening batsman.

As Barbados captain and possibly leading batsman for the regional under-19 championship which starts on Friday in Guyana, his responsibility is doubled.

His recent batting form, however, prompts great expectations.

Although he had no serious cricket for almost two months because of a hand injury sustained in the final trial match, Parris returned to the Schools North Division 1 team in fine form.

Since he did not have the benefit of practice sessions, he opted to slot himself in at No. 6 to work his way back to the top and he felt there was some difference in the two positions.

The evidence is there to suggest he is ready to revert to his rightful position: 62 and 67 v Spartan and 73 v Schools South.

'Cricket is a hard game whether you are batting in the middle or at the top, but batting is the middle is a lot easier,' he said.

'At the top, you really have to concentrate hard because the ball is a lot harder and it does a lot more.'

He is happy with his recent form, but he appreciates what is required to maintain it. 'If I carry on and don't get over-confident, I should do well,' he said. 'I have my mind set. I have my goals set. I just need to keep disciplined.'

Over-confidence might have had the better of him last season.

He had just come off a Division 1 half-century, but his 127 runs (ave. 21.66) was not the type of return he would have anticipated on home soil in his debut tournament.

There are some who feel Parris is perhaps a little overweight.

He concedes that he is not the most athletic-looking but his size has never affected him in a negative way. 'Even when I was young, I was big. I don't fight that,' Parris said.

'I might not be as small as the other guys, but it doesn't take anything from you. There is nothing which says you can't be big and fit. The training we have been doing this year has been strenuous and I think I have come into my own in terms of fitness.'

Parris believes his side has the potential to repeat as champions. 'We have a well-rounded and well-structured team. We have good talent,' he said. 'All that's left for me is to lead it in the best possible way.'

It's not a task beyond him.