‘Still a chance'

Six years after his only taste of international cricket, Vasbert Drakes is still holding out hope of representing the West Indies again.

But the Barbadian all-rounder, just back from another successful season in South Africa, appreciates that his fate is beyond his control.

I'm very optimistic about the whole situation, he said. Having said that, you've still got to be realistic. At this present moment, it isn't in my hands.

It is common knowledge that the West Indies Cricket Board is sticking to its eligibility rules which stipulate that players must make themselves available for regional competitions.

And Drakes' professional commitments in South Africa and England during the last five years have reduced him to a mere handful of appearances for Barbados.

One always aspires to the highest level, but I have to look at it from a realistic point-of-view, he said. Judging from the things that have been happening in West Indies' cricket and the sort of policy that has been put in place, it makes it quite difficult for me to say: `Vasbert, you're going to forget about my contract', which is my only source of income.

If the set-up in the Caribbean were different, would it entice him to return to play for Barbados?

If there were a retainer system where one could be guaranteed some form of income, said Drakes, who played five One-Day Internationals against Australia in 1995.

There has got to be a structure in place where you can be employed as a professional cricketer.

Drakes is now at an age where most fast bowlers probably think about calling it day, but he reckons he has a lot more left in him.

At 31, I think you are into the peak of your career, he said. If you look at my stats I back myself that I am very capable of competing at the highest level.

He was, however, quick to point out there was vast difference between Test and first-class level.

You will never know unless you are given the opportunity and given the chance to express yourself, he added.

His statistics in South Africa during the last three seasons make impressive reading.

After setting records that had not been attained by anyone else for at least 20 years, Drakes returned to Border for the 2000-01 season to capture a tournament high 41 wickets (ave. 23.78) to go alongside 360 runs (ave. 24.00).

When I went down there this season I had certain goals, he said.

I always said that if I got 40 wickets and scored close to 400 runs, I would have at least contributed to the side.

From the bowling aspect, I was quite happy with my performance.

His batting was below expectations and he noted that he would often get himself out after making a few thirties and forties.

When you bowl so many overs in the modern era of the game, batting and bowling could be difficult. It's something that I need to work on, he said.

Nonetheless, his contribution helped Border to reach the finals of both the SuperSport first-class and Standard Bank limited-overs competitions. Additionally, the experience of being a full-time pro has done him the world of good.

I look at life totally different from how I looked at it five years ago, he said.

It has broadened my horizon interacting with people from different cultures, living on your own and having to be very disciplined in what you do in terms of your training and stuff like that. All in all, I have become a better person. I have been enlightened by my experience of playing abroad.

As his agent, Dave Richardson, the former South Africa wicket-keeper, tries to negotiate a two-year contract with Border, Drakes is preparing for another stint of English county cricket.

The chance to play for Warwickshire, a club that has been associated with world stars like Brian Lara and Allan Donald, is an opportunity that delights him.

What will even delight him more is that chance to wear the maroon cap again.