Dear Editor,
This is indeed an exciting era for fast bowling once again in the Caribbean, and for the emerging talent to seize the opportunity. Recently, senior fast bowler Jerome Taylor retired from Test cricket. His skill and pace will leave a void in this department.
It is in this context therefore that I am convinced that Ransford Beaton can deliver at the highest level.
Arguably he is Guyana’s premier fast bowler, whose pace if not control is quite menacing. As a coach and former inter-county player I was privy to his gradual elevation, and throughout the process I realised he had all the qualities for becoming a consummate professional in his trade. In fact India’s international, Yuvraj Singh, rated him in the mould of an emerging Curtly Ambrose whilst he was in India representing the West Indies ‘A’ team two years ago.
It certainly was not an understatement from the champion batsman since creating such an impression in the sub-continent is quite a rarity.
It is my fervent belief therefore that Ronsford Beaton possesses the requisite weaponry to decimate quality batsmanship despite the challenges of unresponsive pitches.
His elevation, however, has not been as rapid as was expected. Disappointingly, there is no Curtly Ambrose to mentor him nor is he in the Guyana Amazon Warriors team which I believe is an indication of the fact he has been discarded in his own camp.
It certainly will be a stern test for him to recapture the confidence of the selectors even as he now is being traded for the Trinbago Knight Riders in the ongoing CPL 20/20 Tournament. He is, however, a smart, confident and dedicated individual who remains Essequibo’s brightest prospect of playing Test cricket and who now needs continued professional guidance to achieve such a goal.
Would Trinidad and Tobago provide same or would the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) intervene to guide Beaton through his technical issues and perhaps mental approach? The GCB must correct the shortcomings of players, some of whom have little cricketing background. Players are being ridiculed, demoralized and even betrayed at a time when they need the comfort and confidence of their employers.
I recall being told how a senior player was verbally censured and even embarrassed in the Board’s office by an executive member who is also a WICB Director. Incidentally the player is no longer interested in playing here.
The best of Ronsford Beaton is yet to be delivered, and I am therefore announcing a public appeal for the relevant authorities to conceptualize the way forward for him so that he can fulfil his obvious potential as a world-rated fast bowler.
Yours faithfully,
Elroy Stephney
