BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC –Former West Indies cricketer Sulieman Benn has been praised for his role in helping Barbados to play unbeaten throughout to win the NAGICO Super 50 tournament which ended last weekend.
Captain Kevin Stoute has described the lanky left arm spinner as “a warrior and a champion” while MVP Dwayne Smith said “he’s a great man in this team”.
Barbados defeated Trinidad and Tobago by 17 runs in last Saturday’s final at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain.
“I want to say special congratulations to Sulieman Benn. I don’t think there is anyone in our dressing room who wanted this title more than Benn,” said Stoute.
“He spoke about it and he went out and gave his all to win it. He put in his work and was an inspiration”.
Off the field, the 32-year old cricketer was credited for playing a significant role in planning strategy and giving support to rookie captain Kevin Stoute.
“If you watch him on TV you would say he’s ‘miserable’ but that is the way he plays his cricket. He always shows his passion,” said Stoute.
“He plays it very hard, he always plays to win and he expects the best from everybody around him. We couldn’t ask for anymore from him.”
Benn ended the tournament as the second highest wicket-taker collecting nine wickets at 13.55 runs per wicket.
His best bowling was four for 39 against Trinidad and Tobago in their opening match.
“Benn will be Benn and we appreciate him for what he brings to the team. He was really good in this tournament,” said Smith.
“He helped with the planning before we went onto the field and when we got onto the field he just did the business. He played a key role from start to finish.”
Benn, who played 17 Tests, 25 ODIs and 17 T20s between 2008 and 2011, last represented the West Indies senior team against India in the 2011 ICC World Cup.