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| Tuesday, 1 July 2003 |
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Sports | |
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Old Johnians set to revive Barbados style cricket The far-sighted policy of BCCSL authorities acceding to numerous requests, finally approved the revival of Barbados style cricket, though last successfully played were over 50 years ago, in Sri Lanka, were taken in hand prior to chaotic situation within the body of cricket control. In explaining the term 'Barbados Style Cricket' - originated many years ago when Panadura fans in appreciation of its introducer-coach late G. C. Roberts of Barbados, West Indies, applied the name of his hometown to local cricket. The reasons may have been the difference of strokeplay and approach to the game. This type of cricket was played only at St. John's College Panadura, and unquestionably suited outstation youths in one-day games as well. It will be of remarkable interest for present Sri Lanka cricketers in clubs, schools and fans to realise that Roberts then coached the identical type of cricket as prevailing in his country of origin which was in vogue up to end of Viv Richards period. To mention accurately and truthfully, it was the popular West Indies natural style cricket. The local enthusiasts ignorantly called it Barbados style cricket. There is no contest about the name. However it appears that its revival failed to take off to a vibrant start, therefore this futile endeavour had ended in abject failure. Furthermore the officials responsible for development of cricket, consisting of members of recent past cricketers had no knowledge of its previous existence, thereby committed that crucial error which marred or nullified progress if any, by appointing a person who had never played cricket, to coach, by depending on hearsay, chit chats and lacking in allround practical experience, were unequal to a task of this magnitude. The only qualifications, if at all, were his relationship with that coach. Since the name of the other is not in the list of members in 1940s panel of old Johnian - may be placed for a refresher course of short duration. The next initial mistake being the failure of officials to obtain first-hand information from the correct source, in this case from members of 1940s panel and not quarters averse to revival. However it is not too late to set matters aright after discussions with those colleagues in an effort to provide the best to outstation youths and expand this style freely amongst coaches and others so interested. A few years back, somewhere in early 90s, a Johnian held high office in BCCSL, but prone to rubber-ball cricket from early childhood and having changed over to leather far too late in life, unfortunately had lost that glorious opportunity to learn during his crucial years, the fundamentals of cricket under guidance of coach Roberts. Therefore showed no inclination towards its revival. A word of caution is absolutely essential at this juncture to avoid being misled by disinformation and deception, after reading false claims of achievements, palpable lies and profound untruths, when seeking prominence as Roberts trained by press reports published in widely circulated newspapers, meant to suit ulterior motives and at other occasions refuse to acknowledge or assist revival of Barbados style cricket. Hence it would be seen that its revival had undergone many obstacles, regretfully and the worst from the non cricketers and idlers during time of coach Roberts. To surmount similar shortfalls, a few Old Johnians of the first period of the school are ready to assist newcomers. Lastly it will be of immense benefit and also advantageous for present day cricketers to adopt Barbados style strokes, irrespective whether followers of Oxford or Cambridge styles of play, as it is bound to vastly enrich skills and undoubtedly carry an edge over others. (C.V. Rupesinghe) Old Johnian 1940s Group |
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