Though he is only 13-years-old, West Indies Under – 15 batsman, Mavendra Dindyal is already keenly focused on realizing his childhood dream of playing for the Caribbean side at the highest level.
Dindyal, the lone Guyanese to tour the United Kingdom recently with the West Indies Under – 15 team, said that particular experience served as a significant motivating factor for him to now believe in the possibility of ascending to the top.
“I want to play test cricket for the West Indies, I want to play at the highest level,” the young man told Stabroek Sport following his return to Guyana.
As it relates to playing cricket in the English conditions, the Diamond Secondary School student noted that while it was tough, he learnt several intricate tips about the sport.
“I learnt a lot of things… it was a very competitive level over there, facing good bowlers and playing swing bowling, but I was able to adapt because I focused on it [swing bowling] during my preparations.”
Asked if the tour helped him to learn anything new about his game, Dindyal indicated that he now understands the importance of believing more in his ability.
After making his debut for Guyana this year in the Regional Under – 15 tournament, the opening batsman tallied 200 runs from five outings with his highest being a defiant 95 against Barbados.
He was subsequently selected for the Windies Under – 15 team for the tour of the UK where he endured mixed fortunes in seam-friendly conditions.
He scored a half-century from three matches on a tour where the Caribbean side won three of their five completed matches.
The Caribbean side defeated the London Schools Cricket Association twice and recorded another victory against Hampshire.
The two defeats, however, came against South West England and the Barmy Army Colts; while there was no result in the Hertfordshire game (rained out).
According to a release from Cricket West Indies, Manager of the side Dr Oba Gulston, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance as the focus was on development where players were rotated to experience playing in the English conditions which fulfilled one of the missions of the tour.
Gulston further noted that the team adapted well and was able to win the series which is “commendable at this level.”
“On the off days, management engaged the young men in several cross-cultural activities which included sight-seeing, a variety of meals and team building exercises.
“This is important as the young men set their sights on being part of the Windies elite team in the future. While the team toured, Senior Windies batsman, Kieran Powell stopped by for a visit.
“While there, the team also attended at T20 County match – Surrey v Hampshire. It was a thrilling encounter for the young men,” added Gulston via the release.
