By Charwayne Walker
Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) wicketkeeper batsman Tevin Imlach is among five Guyanese players selected to tour South Africa with the Joshua Da Silva-led West Indies “A” Team from November 17th to December 8th, 2023.
Although skipper Joshua Da Silva will be the first-choice wicketkeeper on tour, his deputy Tevin Imlach is cognizant of his Guyanese predecessors, who had the honour of being selected as wicketkeepers for the West Indies in Test Cricket, and will be using every opportunity in South Africa to enhance his chances of joining that small group.
The first was Cyril Christiani of British Guiana’s Cricket Club, who played four test matches in 1934/35. He was followed by Clifford McWatt, DCC/British Guiana Cricket Club, who played six test matches in 1954/55. The third and final member of the group was Ivor Mendonca GCC, who played two test matches in 1962. Only time will tell if Tevin Imlach will join this distinguished list of Guyanese wicketkeepers who had the honour of playing test cricket for the West Indies.
This West Indies ‘A’ team tour to South Africa will test Imlach’s composure and endurance behind and in front of the stumps. The other two Guyanese wicketkeepers with international appearances for the West Indies are Milton Pydanna, who played three one-day internationals, and Derwin Christian, who played a solitary T20 international.
International commentators will argue that Guyanese icon Rohan Kanhai also kept wicket for the West Indies in test cricket, though he was not a first-choice keeper.
