This week on What the People Say persons commented on the ICC World Cup Cricket, especially the match between West Indies (WI) and England and the performance of the newcomer to the WI team, Devindra Bishoo of Albion, Berbice.
Interviews and photos by Shabna Ullah
Withfield Mc Donald, labourer
‘I really admired the performance of Bishoo when he was selected to represent the team against England. I had to ask where they had this young man all the time. He should have been in team long before and I think they should definitely keep him because he has done well.
He made all Berbicians happy and I would be glad to meet him and congratulate him personally. I am enjoying the cricket and I think if West Indies take their time and play they stand a chance to bring home the cup. If they cannot make it I think South Africa would win the cup because that is a strong team.’
Aslam Gravesande, sign artist
‘What I would say is that some of the players are trying to get too big for the West Indies team because you can see that balls they put to the boundary are the very balls that come back and out them. I cannot understand how the team could have made 116 runs for 18 overs and they couldn’t make one hundred and something runs from 32 over to win the game. Fair enough they did well in the match against England because the batting order was rearranged… I think Devindra Bishoo did a good job and he has a right to remain in the team. I feel proud as a Berbician that we have someone with such talents. I am enjoying the cricket a lot and I am depending on West Indies to bring home the cup.’
Annette Evans, housewife
‘I love the West Indies team and when they are playing I would leave my work and go and sit in front of the television to enjoy the game.
Whether they win or lose I still continue to support them because they play an exciting cricket. I was disappointed when they lost against England though; all along I thought we could have won the match. I loved how Bishoo played and I think the West Indies would do well if he remains in the team.’
Morley Joseph, firefighter
‘West Indies had a clear opportunity to win the game against England but Ramnaresh Sarwan failed the team. He batted long enough to make a lot of runs but he wasted a lot of balls. I think that is one of the main reasons why they lost the match. They were looking good at first, like they could win the cup but they would build your confidence and then disappoint you. But if they get their act together they could make it. The new player that they put in the game has done a good job. I think he deserves to stay in the team and [Ramnaresh] Sarwan needs to go. I also believe that Australia stands a good chance of winning the cup because they play really well.’
David Black, manager for Berbice Cricket Team
`As manager I was extremely delighted that Bishoo was given the opportunity to prove his talents. The selectors recognized his outstanding ability and they gave him the chance. He has not only done Albion proud, but Berbice and Guyana as a whole to be in the West Indies team and moreso against England. He should not stop there but continue to improve his all-round performance and continue to be a permanent member of the West Indies team. This would inspire other young players to get a break to be in the team as well. He has been a disciplined, co-operative and approachable player and always seeks advice on his performance. I want to congratulate him on behalf of the West Berbice Cricket Association. I was a bit shocked when West Indies lost the match against England. The game was in their control but they took too many things for granted and let it slip away. I hope they forget about the past and bounce back.’
Lakeram Sukhdeo, businessman
‘I think Bishoo is a very good player; he has good potential and he can go far in West Indies cricket. I think they need a leg spinner right now and he is the perfect one. In fact he is a wrist spinner.
The performance of the players was not that bad because they all have talents but I was kind of disappointed when Sarwan got caught. I thought he was going to bring the West Indies home [by winning against England]. I thought they did well when they put him down the order to steady the tail-enders but he got out at the wrong time. The tail-enders did not do their job. I always like the West Indies and I would be happy if they get the cup but just in case they don’t I would have to hope for my second choice, India.’
Cecil Evans, D & I worker
‘I think Bishoo bowled really well and I hope they keep him in the team. I hope that the West Indies bring home the cup and I am confident that they can make it… I am not so pleased with the selection because the wicket keeper is not shining and they are still playing him. I am also wondering why they did not select Chanderpaul; he should have been in the game. Sarwan’s batting was too slow in the game against England. He normally don’t play like that. In fact, for this whole series he did not perform well. He has to bat like Chris Gayle who scored 43 runs with eight fours and one six from 21 deliveries. That is the way to play a 50-over game and that is what an opening batsman should give you.’
Patrice Semple, cosmetologist
‘I have been following all the games so far. I am a big fan of the West Indies team and although they didn’t win all the matches I don’t support any other team but that. I think the players are doing a good job and if they try hard enough they can make it. I have a lot of confidence in them. But if they do not have a chance of winning the cup then the fight would be between England and South Africa. Those two teams are strong.’
Seecharran Ramcharran, carpenter
‘I believe Sarwan threw away the match when they played against England because he should not have played that stroke which caused him to get caught. Also Benn did not need the second run that caused him to get run-out. In the eight overs that I sat down and watched Bishoo bowl I think he did really well because the batsmen did not hit any four from him. They were just making one and two runs and he picked up three wickets for 34 in 10 overs. I think they should keep Bishoo in the team and Sarwan needs a rest.’
A. F. Carmichael, manager/ supervisor of supermarket
‘The selection of the West Indies team in the match against England was bad. There was no reason, as I see it, why they omit [Shivnarine] Chanderpaul. I was happy that they selected Bishoo though. He did well for a first appearance at such an international level and I feel he should continue to be in the team. The overall performance of the team was bad arrangement where the batting was concerned. The senior man there, Sarwan should have had a little more control and played his role rather than allowing the junior batsmen to play his part. There was no need for a second run when Benn’s wicket fell. He called for a second run and he couldn’t complete the run. In the end it was disappointing; 21 runs to make from 47 deliveries and they couldn’t make it. After that match I was so emotional – that’s how I am where my cricket is concerned – I didn’t want to talk to anybody.’
