Haynes keeps the faith

It is safe to assume that Wayne Phillip has been identified as a wicket-keeper with the potential to reach the top.

Two seasons ago, the regional cricket selectors took the bold step of picking him for the West Indies 'A' team's tour of India and Bangladesh in spite of the fact that he was yet to play a first-class match.

When the Indians came to the Caribbean for a reciprocal tour the following year, the little Dominican was again exposed behind the stumps.

Another big chance followed earlier this year when he was recommended for a stint with the famous Marlebourne Cricket Club in England.

It coincided with the West Indies' visit and Phillip got even more opportunity after an arrangement was made for him to relieve Ridley Jacobs in tour matches.

On the evidence of those chances, the 22-year-old could have been expecting to be selected for the current series between the West Indies and South Africa 'A' teams.

He was overlooked, the selectors instead opting for the experienced Barbadian Courtney Browne, who is captaining the relatively young side.

Achievement

Phillip was, however, in no way disappointed.

"I look at achievement. I went to England and I am a better cricketer," he told Midweek Sport.

"Whether I am picked or not, I just know I feel better. It does not bother me."

His chances for the Windward Islands at regional level have also been restricted because of the presence of Junior Murray, who may feel his international days are not yet numbered.

"It could lead to frustration," Phillip said about watching from the sidelines. "But I think I have handled it properly. I know what I can do and I want to live up to expectations."

He feels reasonably contented with his development during the last two years.

"I have made a lot of progress and I am very much satisfied," said Phillip who resides in Dominica's capital city of Roseau. "I will keep that satisfaction deep within my heart and just go on."

His experience in England also played a big part in his development.

"It was really good. I enjoyed myself," he said about his run with the MCC and his six matches with the West Indies in which he scored 155 runs (ave. 19.37) and hauled in 23 dismissals.

"I am a better wicket-keeper. Keeping in England is difficult and I think I coped with the situation properly.

"I just have to go home and work on what I've learnt."

His batting also came on and it was emphasised in his career-best 67 in the West Indies' last first-class match against Somerset.

The improvement, he said, was due to the batting coach who worked with him at the MCC.

He also mentioned the assistance of the West Indies coaches Roger Harper and Jeffrey Dujon and players Wavell Hinds, Brian Lara, Sherwin Campbell and Adrian Griffith.