Perry bubbling with confidence (12 March 1999)

12 March 1999

Perry bubbling with confidence

Tony Becca

Jamaica's 30-year-old Nehemiah "Johnny" Perry appears set to make his Test debut tomorrow when the West Indies take on Australia in the second Test at Sabina Park.

Anyone who knows the smiling offspinner who appeals for something after almost every delivery must be secretly hoping he gets his chance.

After failing to name a spin bowler in the 15-man squad selected for the first Test, the selectors, probably through persuasion, have included Perry in the 13 for the Sabina Park contest and although it is not a given that he will be in the final XI, it is almost a safe bet that he will.

After losing the first Test, the West Indies had to look at all their options and although the four pacers did reasonably well in restricting Australia to 269 and 261 at Queen's Park Oval, one must be the inclusion of a spin bowler - especially, on the evidence of the three Busta Cup matches played on it, that the Sabina pitch will be kind to spin bowlers.

Once that was agreed, and remembering that good offspinners have usually done well against Australia, it had to be an offspinner and there are many reasons why it had to be Perry.

With 13 years of first-class cricket under his belt, Perry is an experienced performer, this year he has been spinning the ball more than usual, he has also been more consistent with his line and length. In the opening match against the Leeward Islands, when he picked up 10 wickets, he flighted the ball well and after pocketing 30 wickets, including 17 at Sabina Park, in the regional competition, he is bubbling with confidence.

It won't be the same thing bowling against the Australians as it was bowling against the Leeward Islands without Stuart Williams and Keith Arthurton, Guyana without Carl Hooper and Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Trinidad and Tobago without Brian Lara. Perry, however, is a competitor, and with a little luck, he could, if indeed he gets in, enjoy his debut Test match.

Looking at the squad, the XI could read, Sherwin Campbell, Suruj Ragoonath - who both deserve another chance, Daren Ganga, Brian Lara, Dave Joseph and Jimmy Adams - who probably deserves another, Ridley Jacobs, Nehemiah Perry - who boasts a first-class century, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and Pedro Collins.

The time has come, however, to look at Ambrose and Walsh who have served West Indies cricket with distinction but who cannot go on forever.

The old warriors are still capable of taking wickets and because of their experience they will continue to take a few wickets and it is not easy to omit them.

They have lost their sting, however, apart from their worsening liability in the field, they are not what they used to be - certainly not when called on for a second or third spell, maybe that is why tailenders are doing so well against the West Indies and while it would not be wise to say farewell to both at the same time, in the interest of West Indies cricket one should go.

All things considered, including the physical shape of the two players, the one who should go is Ambrose. Too often in recent times, probably because of aches and pains, he appears to be simply going through the motion while bowling, batting and fielding.

An attack of pacers Walsh, Collins and Reon King, plus Perry may not make the Australians tremble, but the road back has to start somewhere - and with players who are not only hunting a place in the sun, but who are also fit.

Source :: The Jamaica Gleaner (https://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/)