‘Playing by the book'

Most people play cricket just through talent alone and people don't really think about the mental part of the game. That is the hardest part.

That's the honest opinion of Sulieman Benn, one of five Barbadians who is in the first batch of 24 students at the Shell Cricket Academy in Grenada.

The Academy, a joint initiative involving the sponsors, St. George's University and the West Indies Cricket Board, is to offer a threemonth programme which features an extensive timetable starting next month.

Benn joined his fellow Barbadians in admitting that it will be a challenging exercise.

No one can doubt them.

After all, during the 12 weeks they spend in Grenada, they will benefit from training in technical skills, sports sciences, sports management and special education.

It should be challenging, but once I put my mind to it, I should come through well, Benn said.

I hope to be a better cricketer in all aspects of the game mentally and physically, added the tall left-arm spinner who represented the West Indies B in this season's Busta Cup.

For Benn, the opportunity comes at the right time. In the case of Kurt Wilkinson, Callitos Lopez and Marlon Franklyn, the Carlton trio expressed surprise at their selection to the Academy.

They were, however, quick to admit that the experience should make them better cricketers and individuals.

I am looking to improve on things like self-discipline, Lopez said.

While most of the students will be using computers for the first time, Lopez will be already familiar to the technology. As a trainee land surveyor at LP Integrated Surveyors for the last two months, the computer has been an everyday tool for the fast-bowling all-rounder.

Computer skills will come under the heading of education which also includes aspects such as reading, management skills, West Indies cricket history, management of money, public speaking, media training, etiquette, health education, personal development and self-confidence. The emphasis will be on English. In short, a lot of time will be spent away from the field.

The classroom situation might be rough, Wilkinson said.

The Blue Horizon employee is looking forward to develop his skills as a batsman which impressed many during his outing for the West Indies B team this year.

I am looking to fine-tune my technique, he said.

At times, I can be a bit loose and I think it has more to do with concentration than anything else.

His main subject area, therefore should be technical skills, which includes tactics and strategy, teamwork, the application of mental skills and their impact on technique.

It is understandable that Franklyn, the least known of the Barbadian selectees, was somewhat surprised at his selection.

I was up against the odds. Most of the other guys had first-class experience and I thought they would get the nod over me, the tall fast bowler said.

Franklyn would also have been in contention for a place in the West Indies Under-19 team which tours England around the same time the Academy courses are in progress.

Would he rather be in London or in St George's?

That is a tight one. After thinking long and hard, I will have to go with the Academy.

He concedes that he did not do enough to get into the West Indies youth squad.

When the Under-19 tournament was played, I thought I was in with a fair chance after the first match. After that, I was bothered by injury and my chances went through the door.