Walsh still unsure

Courtney Walsh is still undecided about his future.

Amidst lavish praise in a testimonial dinner to the honour the "grand old man" of West Indies cricket, the 37-year-old fast bowler said he was unsure he would join his fellow illustrious colleague, Curtly Ambrose, in retirement.

"It's not just a cricket decision, it's a personal one as well. I hope that whatever I decide to do, I will have the support of everyone," Walsh told an audience of about 150 at the Sherbourne Conference Centre on Tuesday night.

"Some might be happy, some might be sad, but at the end of the day, I'm going to try and do what is best for me and West Indies cricket."

Walsh, Test cricket's leading wicket-taker with 483 scalps, could not even say what factors were likely to influence hisdecision.

"I haven't even given that any thought as yet," he told reporters after the dinner which was organised by the Trinidad-based All Sports Promotions, his exclusive marketing agents.

Rest and relaxation

"I just know that at this point in time I need some time off for myself to sit back, reflect, relax and just think about what I want and where I want to gofrom here."

Walsh, a veteran of 122 Tests and 205 One-Day Internationals since his debut in 1984, also took the opportunity to recall a conversation two years ago with former West Indies opener Desmond Haynes.

"Desmond said that he did not get the chance to finish the way he wanted to because of unforeseen circumstances," Walsh said.

"He told me that as long as I am enjoying the game, as long as I am doing well and as long as I can do the job, that I should not step away and give someone else my job, because they have not earned it."

Walsh also told the audience that he was convinced Ambrose would not have a change of heart and make himself available for the tour of Australia later this year.

"I think he is pretty adamant at the moment that he has had enough," he said.

"I will talk to him again if the chance arises. If his mind is completely made up, I won't force him to change it."

Jamaican Walsh was speaking hours after receiving the Chaconia Medal Gold, the second highest award in Trinidad and Tobago. It was the first time that a non-national had received the award.

Glowing tributes

During the dinner, Walsh received glowing tributes from representatives of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), the Government of Barbados and the United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP).

"By his accomplishments and standards, Courtney Andrew Walsh stands tall as the embodiment of the spirit of West Indies cricket," said BCA second vice-president Owen Estwick.

"Since entering the international cricket arena almost 16 years ago, he has been an exemplar of discipline, hard work, fitness and commitment to the cause."

Estwick also described Walsh as a remarkable sportsman and Caribbean personality, and a home-grown inspiration for West Indian children.

"If ever a cricketer wore the mantle of ambassadorship, it is Courtney Walsh," said acting Minister of Sports, Senator Tyrone Barker.

"He exemplifies all that is good, all that is wholesome about West Indians and West Indian cricket.

"We are aware that nothing we can do can render in full our gratitude and appreciation, not only for his universal contribution to the game of cricket, but especially to the integrity and the pride of West Indians everywhere."

UNDCP's Dr. Michael Platzer said Walsh was recognised "as a true goodwill ambassador throughout the world for his advocacy for a drug-free healthy lifestyle".

"He is the perfect role model for young people around the world," Platzer said.

"What impressed me most were his human qualities: his readiness to do the radio interviews, the public service announcements in the middle of the Test match, to sign autographs and to explain the intricacies of the game to me, a neophyte."