WI local: Lavine after SA spot

Barbadian Cricketer Mark Lavine has turned his back on Barbados and West Indies cricket and he's loving it.

The 27-year-old all-rounder, who left the island two years ago to play in South Africa, is now a citizen of that country and is looking to play Test cricket there some day.

"Everything is going quite fine with me, actually. I'm having a great time," Lavine said on Friday night from East London where his side, North West Province, had just lost to Border, the home team of another Bajan, Vasbert Drakes.

"If I return to Barbados it will be only for a holiday, maybe Crop-Over or something like that. I have other plans. "I am resident here now and I'm looking to play Test cricket some day."

The former Spartan all-rounder, who will be remembered as a sharp medium-pacer, attacking batsman and outstanding fielder, said his reason for making the switch was simple.

"Those (eligibility) rules you all have there are not working," he said, referring to the West Indies Cricket Board ruling which states that players must make themselves available for the regional season to qualify for international selection.

"Playing for Barbados, there was not much opportunity. I wanted to play all the time. It was in and out. "If I could go somewhere and play all the time and make a living I would. I made up my mind."

The tall, well-built Lavine, brother of national footballer Eric, lives in Potchefstroom with his Johannesburg-born wife, Patricia, and their daughter, Nakita. He said that after performing well in club competitions in South Africa he was invited to make the switch by some officials.

Lavine added that settling in South Africa was easy as he could speak the native language fluently and he was treated extremely well by his club and neighbours.

So far this season he is second in the bowling list with 23 wickets at 23.60 apiece, with a best of six for 53. He has had three five-wicket hauls. Among those was a ten-wicket match haul. According to him, he is hitting the ball "as crisp as ever", and has 226 runs in five matches (average 25.11) with a topscore of 85.

"I would like to break into the international side in the new year, maybe the `A' team for now," he said.

"I will be playing league cricket in Manchester next year, but Leicestershire County will be here in March to have a look."