Local Cricket selectors get tough

Local Cricket selectors Selwyn Allen, Stanley Hinds, Urias King and Elvis Browne have found no place for long-standing St. Vincent and the Grenadines all rounder Orlanzo Jackson, a situation which could spell the end of his national representation.{{more}}

When the trimmed 18 member senior squad, which will be further cut to 13, for the 2009 senior Windward Islands Tournament to be held next week in St. Lucia, was announced late last week, Jackson was not among those named.

Jackson first made the senior national team in 1997. He went on to represent the Windwards team for the regional competition in 2001, then known as the Busta Cup.

Jackson, who was absent for the 2009 RBTT Premier Division Competition, as he was playing in the English Leagues, will also not feature as the competition’s top wicket taker, an accolade he stashed away from 1997 to 2008, with his only year of drought being 1998.

Jackson has made way for the promising Keiron Cottoy. Also among the spinners selected in the eighteen is the tried and tested Dyke Cato.

The batting department will be chosen from Miles Bascombe, Atticus Browne, Salvan Browne, Kishore Shallow, Wayne Harper, Donson Andrews, Donwell Hector, and Hyron Shallow.

Fitting in the roles of all rounders are Alston Bobb and Rolando Wright. The latter, who like Jackson played in the English Leagues this year, has made an impression in the trial matches leading up to the trimmed squad.

Serving the fast bowling department is former West Indies One Day International player, veteran Deighton Butler, along with Kenroy Peters and Dellorn Johnson, all left arm bowlers. They will complement the pacey and raw Kesrick Williams and namesake Norlan Williams, who many consider very unfortunate to be a first choice in final team selection.

It is expected that wicket keeper Linden James will once again be the team’s captain, as St. Vincent and the Grenadines tries to wrest the league title from Grenada.

The final named thirteen will travel to St. Lucia next Monday. (RT)