Kevin Sinclair is different to the contemporary West Indian cricketer in more ways than one.
When you least expect him to perform he comes up trumps in a burgeoning career rise that places him ahead of the pack of Guyana’s all-format players.
He was not expected to be anything other than an average player after making his debut for Guyana in 2020 as his credentials in the junior ranks were non-existent.
Four years later though, the lanky batsman/spin has played his way into the West Indies at Test team with an impressive debut which follows up on solid statistics at the top levels for West Indies in the limited overs varieties.
A promising start saw him become the latest Regional player to notch a half century at the first go, ending with an even 50 in the second innings, in the process helping West Indies break the 27 years losing jinx Down Under, in the just concluded series.
In a meagre eight -over bowling spell, he ensured not ending that Brisbane Test empty handed, bagging the vital wicket of key Aussie opener Usman Khawaja in a lone stint in Australia’s first innings.
Sinclair was not needed in the second innings as the unforgettable spell of his compatriot and fellow Berbician Shamar Joseph ripped through the home team’s batting to clinch the memorable victory to draw the series at the previously impregnable GABBA arena.
It was a rare banner day for Guyanese representation in the Regional team that was expected to be hammered by the World champion Aussie lineup at full strength in favorable home conditions.
For Sinclair though, it’s not uncommon for him to make the most of any opportunity in his path, in a short career thus far.
In his debut first class appearance for Guyana against Barbados in 2020, he ended the encounter with a 55 average with the bat and has gone on to accumulate 1281 runs at 36.6 average to go with 75 wickets at an Economy Rate of 2.99 runs per over, in First Class competition.
When elevated to the higher level for West Indies ‘A’ against Bangladesh in the three-match Test series last year, he topped all-comers with the best all-round display, totaling 149 runs averaging 49.6, bagging 13 wickets with an average of 29.69 including one five-wicket haul. Justifiably Sinclair was given another run against the tougher South Africa ‘A’ lineup later that year and again he outshone his teammates, this time notching 220 runs to average 44. With the ball he grabbed 12 wickets including another five-for, ending with 12, averaging 25.91
It will be remembered Sinclair, carried West Indies to victory with his match winning 80 not out to help secure the team’s lone victory in the three matches, rallying the lower order in a not too uncommon role his teams have grown to expect.
Significantly both of the unofficial A Test series were away from home in testing foreign conditions which made Sinclair’s contributions even impressive.
At Brisbane, the ultra-aggressive Aussie squad was hunting a clean sweep, much like they did one year prior in a similar two-match rubber. But Sinclair came good at crucial time in the first innings, again rallying the lower order for his Test half ton.
Playing in Australia has been the Achilles heel for many West Indians over the years. The fast pitches ‘intimidatory’ aggressive tactics by the homesters have been problematic for Windies rookies.
While we’ve sang the praises of Joseph’s success many times over, Sinclair’s display in that Australia series, while not matching in excellence of the former, was an eye opener and a second example of another debutant reversing the trend.
However, that and his overall career returns would not have been achieved if he was lacking in work ethic, determination and ambition, shortcomings that’ve dogged most of his ‘Windian’ peers in recent times.
It was ex Guyana and West Indies batting stylist Carl Hooper who revealed Sinclair’s commitment for improvement.
According to Hooper, a veteran of many Tests in Australia, the 24-year-old Berbician spared no effort in acquiring knowledge about Aussie players and conditions before the debut, being constantly on his phone during the series. Prior it was the case with any ex-international who would give of their time with the Berbician.
A chat with ex pace merchant Ian Bishop in a recent television interview revealed that Sinclair’s professionalism doesn’t end with his requirements on the field. His preaches and practices an adherence to proper nutrition to gain maximum results on the field.
If Sinclair’s long version accomplishments have been decent, his prowess in the limited overs formats are not far behind.
In seven 50 overs Internationals he has 11 wickets, and most importantly an Economy Rate of 4.44. It is despite the unhealthy deliberations that influence team selections in that format that has limited Sinclair’s exposure at the highest levels.
Franchise competition, especially the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 20 overs competition was never meant to and is not been the best vehicle to develop Regional players. The team owners interests are self- serving and the resulting politics have hurt players. Sinclair was let go by the Amazon Warriors midway through last year’s competition, not for any cricketing reason, but given the player’s resolve, the local franchise will likely rue the decision by the time this year’s competition bowls off.
The T20 World Cup will conclude by then and if the Desmond Haynes led West Indies selection panel continues its pragmatic policy, Sinclair should be in the West Indies setup, like himself and Joseph were elevated to the Test team, based on potential rather than experience.
In the current scheme of things Royston Chase, should be West Indies’ first choice spinner for the World Cup given his chart -topping career stats in the shortest format. His economy rate of 6.59 runs per over from 11 Internationals with nine wickets to go it, should be a clincher. It includes a brilliant 2-19 spell which quelled the rampaging Aussie batsmen and helped condemn the home team to defeat in the just concluded series finale Down Under.
It was a stark reminder of the Barbadian’s bowling prowess even if his batting has not matched up so far.
In Sinclair’s brief T20 International career, he has yielded an ER of 8.33 from six games with four wickets, which along with his overall better all-round ability, should edge him ahead of Akeal Hosein. Gudakesh Motie should complete the squad’s spin lineup that has as good a chance as any contender to lift the Cup in home conditions.
All things considered, the future beams with bright for Sinclair and the sky must be his limit.
