Fast bowling legend, Sir Curtly Ambrose, who is in Guyana to host a three-day fast-bowling workshop with the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), yesterday paid a courtesy call on Head-of-State Irfaan Ali.
According to a release from the Office of the President, “the two shared ideas and had a comprehensive discussion about the game.”
Also present at the visit were Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, who is the patron of the BCB, BCB president, Hilbert Foster, and young cricketers, Jonathan Rampersaud and Surendra Kissoonlall.
The BCB quoted President Ali as saying, “You are being hosted by one of the most progressive cricket boards around,” while relating that the county board is set to gain vital equipment towards the development of the game.
President Ali was presented with a gift as well as publications including the historic coaching manual and youth information booklet from the BCB.
Foster told Stabroek Sport that Berbice has primarily been known for producing spinners but indicated that he is hopeful that Ambrose could initiate a vigour within the young pacers to produce the next Romario Shepherd while comparing the initiative to similar to what India did with Dennis Lillee.
Forty-four pacers were identified for the training which runs from today until Sunday at the Albion Community Centre Ground.
Meanwhile, a batting clinic for females and youth players will also be done under the supervision of UK-based level three coach, Nolan McKenzie. Foster explained that the top batsmen at the Under-15 all the way up to Under-19 levels have been identified and are the ones earmarked to be part of the clinic.
Mckenzie arrived on the same flight with Sir Curtly. The BCB noted that Mckenzie travelled to Guyana at his own expense and is volunteering his services.
Foster was full of praise for the support of the former Demerara player while Mckenzie remarked that he was very impressed with the work of the Berbice Board.
