West Indies Cricket Fans Forum

--
Font size: +
6 minutes reading time (1145 words)

Former West Indies great Lawrence Rowe has long been revered as one of the most stylish West Indian batsmen of all time.



Former West Indies great Lawrence Rowe has long been revered as one of the most stylish West Indian batsmen of all time.

The Jamaican-born batsman, who in full flight is described as one of the best to watch on a cricketing field, reflected on his career and the changing face of regional cricket in an extended interview with Andre Errol Baptiste on Isports on I95.5fm on Thursday,

He shared his appreciation on the role of the Twenty20 (T20) format in the new era of West Indies cricket, saying: "A totally different game but if I had a choice, I like the longer game but T20 cricket has brought out people who would not come to a cricket match. You do not see classical batting, there is a lot of skill in it so teams are now making 200-plus and losing, guys now learn to hit the ball out of the ground.

"I have seen them train and they work hard but if we are honest, we are suffering in the longer version, they do not transfer the skills from the short version.

"For me, if I was involved, I would have been a player like (Kumar) Sangakkara, (Mahela) Jayawardene, (Sachin) Tendulkar, that type of player, more or less staying in same form."

Rowe believes that all players should be versatile, to be able to transition from one format to the other.

“If you can play Test cricket, you should be able to move on and play in other versions and this is an area of concern,” said Rowe, adding that he pleased with the current white-ball captain of the West Indies team, Kieron Pollard.

"I am very happy with him as a player and captain. He is doing a reasonable job and I have spoken with him. I really thought that he should have been able to play in the longer version of the game but I believe that when Jason Holder was made Test captain at a young age, he should have at that time been given the captaincy in all three versions.

"We have seen it done with other players like Virat Kohli, now he has got older but at that time that consistency would have been good but Jason has gone on now."

Rowe keeps the love of cricket alive

Rowe, who now resides in Florida, has a Foundation named after himself, together with his wife for young cricketers, suitably themed "Keeping the Love of Cricket Alive".

"Times have changed a lot for the Caribbean people up here. Their off-springs have chosen other sports so there is a decrease in the number of Caribbean persons playing cricket but we are enjoying our work with the Foundation and we were due to be back in the Caribbean this year, but with COVID-19, we might have to cancel.”

He feels that the advent of so much protective gear in cricket has not aided players in their approach to batting and game, itself.

"When I started off playing cricket, we only had a box as protection, now things have evolved. I did play with a helmet but with no grill. In our time, you had to have a reasonably good technique to bat and make runs, but now with all of this protection, that is an area that I believe we need to work on.

"In our time we had no set of coaches, we use to help each other. Technology has made it easier and quicker to assess an opponent's strength and weaknesses but in our time, we use to sit and analyse and do that same thing, it just took longer."

Rowe’s 302 is considered as his best inning and one of the best triple centuries ever recorded, when he demolished England in Bridgetown, Barbados.

He fondly recalls the inning, saying: "It was a flawless inning. I did not give a chance and yes in terms of length of time, it would be my best inning, it was stroke play from start to finish, cover drive (favourite shot), front foot or back foot.”

The great admirer of West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers, only played 30 Tests from his debut in 1972 to 1980 and believes he could have done so much more.

"I had a lot of injuries and missed a lot of cricket. I was robbed of playing when I was in my prime, robbed of making runs. I believe that if I was not out, I was robbed of another 30 Tests matches and in terms of runs, among the top five West Indian batsmen of all times,” said the 71-year-old.

"Sir Garry Sobers, he was my idol when I was growing up and he told a lot of people, I would be special. He was just a magical player. In terms of bowlers, Michael Holding was the fastest consistently, Andy Roberts could be very fast when he wanted to as well, but in terms of one bowler to always get wickets, it would be Malcolm Marshall, he was a cunning bowler and deceptively quick at times."

Lara, Gayle among Rowe's top five batsmen

For Rowe, in terms of modern-day batsmen outside of his era, Brian Charles Lara was the best with Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, being the only others who he would consider on longevity and runs so in his top five West Indian batsmen, he recognised: "Garry Sobers, Brian Lara, Vivian Richards, Rohan Kanhai and Gordon Greenidge.”

Delving into his own career, he still feels slighted by the West Indies selectors for being left out of the regional side's overseas tour of Australia in 1981.

"I was bypassed for the Australian series. I thought I should have still been selected," said Rowe, also suggesting that both Ralston Otto and Richard Gabriel are two other players that could also feel aggrieved for never playing Test cricket.

On the South African tour that brought a premature end to Rowe’s career, he said, "That Tour has done so much for cricket around the World, as well as the Packer series. To be honest in 1984 when we returned, a poll was done in Jamaica, and 67 per cent of people backed us, the people were not the problem, it was the administration and governments who were against us and destroyed us.

"I believe, my going there (South Africa) would have helped the situation, inspire the black people. I felt we had to do that and not only blacks but whites. I got a letter from a guy who was 12 at the time, and he says how much the tour had changed him in terms of how he looks at black people," said Rowe, who in parting left a message for young players.

"Sky is the limit, you can have a good career, make yourself a real man, take it seriously, work hard and listen to old school players.”

http://www.guardian.co.tt

×
Stay Informed

When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.

Chief selector is right but cricket a hard sell in...
'Lara was too hasty to lead West Indies' - Ambrose
>

Guyana Diaspora Forum

We have a large database of Guyanese worldwide.  Most of our readers are in the USA, Canada, and the UK.  Our Blog and Newsletter  would not only carry  articles and videos on Guyana, but also other articles on a wide range of subjects that may be of interest to our readers in over 200 countries, many of them non-Guyanese  We hope that you like our selections.

It is estimated that over one million Guyanese, when counting their dependents, live outside of Guyana.  This exceeds the population of Guyana, which is now about 750,000.  Many left early in the 50’s and 60’s while others went with the next wave in the 70’s and 80’s.  The latest wave left over the last 20 years. This outflow of Guyanese, therefore, covers some three generations. This outflow still continues today, where over 80 % of U.G. graduates now leave after graduating.  We hope this changes, and soon.

Guyanese, like most others, try to keep their culture and pass it on to their children and grandchildren.  The problem has been that many Guyanese have not looked back, or if they did it was only fleetingly.  This means that the younger generations and those who left at an early age know very little about Guyana since many have not visited the country.  Also, if they do get information about Guyana, it is usually negative and thus the cycle of non-interest is cultivated.

This Guyana Diaspora Online Forum , along with its monthly newsletter, aims at bringing Guyanese together to support positive news, increase travel and tourism in Guyana and, in general, foster the birth of a new Guyana, which has already begun notwithstanding the negative news that grabs the headlines.  As the editor and manager of the publication, I am committed to delivering Blog entries and Newsletters that are politically balanced, and focused on the positive ideas we wish to share and foster among Guyanese.

JaniyahCenturies for Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Tevin Imlach against Windward Islands in Antigua on day three.

Guyana declared on 224-2; Windwards need 420 runs to win.

Scorecard: https://matchcentre.windiescricket.com/match/13df0ffb-dfc3-4d3a-94bd-17426751e07c/scorecard

#cricnation592 #Guyana #TagenarineChanderpaul #TevinImlach #cricketnews #cricketlovers
(22.03.2024, 17:54)(17:54)0
JaniyahGuyana 436 all out, Permaul 90*,Anderson 87, Sinclair 72, Imlach 55, Chanderpaul 40.Roach 2/52, Jason H. 2/52, Warrican 2/98.(14.03.2024, 18:23)(18:23)0
MadisynThe United States will send a new military aid package for Ukraine worth $300 million, President Joe Biden's administration said on Tuesday, the first such move in months as additional funds for Kyiv remain blocked by Republican leaders in Congress(12.03.2024, 20:23)(20:23)0
ketchimRamadan BEGIND tonight !(10.03.2024, 12:52)(12:52)0
SawyerHeavy gunfire near Haiti's National Palace in Port-au-Prince(09.03.2024, 19:34)(19:34)0
MadisynBiden Signs $460 Billion Spending Package, Averting Government Shutdown(09.03.2024, 18:57)(18:57)0
MadisynGaza ceasefire talks end with no breakthrough as Ramadan deadline looms(05.03.2024, 07:05)(07:05)0
SawyerPutin ally says 'Ukraine is Russia' and historical territory needs to 'come home'(04.03.2024, 18:56)(18:56)0
MadisynJetBlue, Spirit Airlines call off $3.8 bln merger on antitrust hurdle(04.03.2024, 18:50)(18:50)0
ketchim165 not out ~(24.02.2024, 17:38)(17:38)0
ketchim1658 to Kevin Sinclair ~(24.02.2024, 17:38)(17:38)0
ketchimKane Williamson(16.02.2024, 12:22)(12:22)0
ketchimKanw 133 not out !(16.02.2024, 12:21)(12:21)0
CatherineHow Do I Know I’m Not the Only Conscious Being in the Universe?(13.02.2024, 10:33)(10:33)0
CollinI am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the information that you have provided on your website. I have found your site to be an invaluable resource of information, and I have learned a great deal from the articles and resources that you have shared.(11.02.2024, 13:05)(13:05)0
Collinbla... bla... bla...(11.02.2024, 13:05)(13:05)0
Collinthis was Sixes....semis next !(11.02.2024, 13:04)(13:04)0
CollinThe article is really good. I found here looking for a good article because my heart was empty. There are a lot of different articles, so reading them makes me feel a bit empty. Next time I want to read an article about ... please(11.02.2024, 13:04)(13:04)0
CollinThis blog post resonated with me on so many levels. Your personal anecdotes and real-life examples added a relatable touch to the topic. I could feel your passion and expertise shining through every word. I'd love to hear more about your experiences and insights on [related topic]. Thank you for sharing your blog wisdom and inspiring others in the process!(11.02.2024, 13:03)(13:03)0
CollinThis is very fascinating, You are an excessively skilled
blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look ahead to in quest of extra of your magnificent post.
Additionally, I’ve shared your website in my social networks
(11.02.2024, 13:01)(13:01)0
CollinVoucher to najlepsza forma prezentu dla ukochanej osoby. Taki bon podarunkowy, czyli voucher, czy też kartę podarunkową, możemy dać bez stresu ponieważ daje on możliwość wyboru w momencie korzystania, a to dla wielu osób jest najważniejsze. Kup voucher, spraw radość bliskim osobom i nie martw się, że prezent będzie nietrafiony.(11.02.2024, 13:00)(13:00)0
CollinMasaż jest to metoda leczenia znana od wielu lat. Zapraszam do salonu. Kliknij w podany link: drenaż limfatyczny Kielce(11.02.2024, 12:59)(12:59)0
CollinWitam. Piekny blog i opisy. Ja polecam Forum Kosmetyczne(11.02.2024, 12:58)(12:58)0
ketchimthis was Sixes....semis next !(03.02.2024, 16:22)(16:22)0
KennediSo our yute did nt make the semis because of a washout. These global contests should set aside rain days for teh semis and finals.(02.02.2024, 19:44)(19:44)0
CatherineConfirmed by Cricket West Indies that West Indies will play a County XI side in a four-day warm up match at Beckenham in Kent starting 3rd July(31.01.2024, 19:51)(19:51)0
AugustineStep Aside Sir Joffra Archer and Kagiso Rabada..
Shamar Joseph has Arrived !!!
? ? ?
(29.01.2024, 13:43)(13:43)0
ketchimAfter 27 years, a VICTORY !(28.01.2024, 13:48)(13:48)0
ketchimWest Indies brat Australia by 8 runs : Guyana Shamar 7Fer !(28.01.2024, 13:46)(13:46)0
Niko2nd Test, West indies 266/8, Da Silva 79, Hodge 71, A.Joseph 32, Mckenzie 21, Chanderpaul 21, Sinclair 16 not out .(25.01.2024, 08:26)(08:26)0
ketchimexcellent Win : Jewel 64*(24.01.2024, 11:38)(11:38)0
KareemGuyanese fast-bowler Isai Thorne took 4-46 from nine overs as West Indies restricted Scotland to 205-9 from 50 overs at the ongoing ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa.

This a must-win match for West Indies after they lost their opening match to the hosts by 31 runs.

(Photo: Cricket West Indies)
(24.01.2024, 10:27)(10:27)0
KareemKevin Sinclair will replace Gudakesh Motie in the second Test match in Australia.

This was confirmed by Captain Kraigg Brathwaite on the eve of the GABA Test.
(24.01.2024, 10:04)(10:04)0
MarthaVirat Kohli withdraws from first two Tests against England citing personal reasons.
BCCI has requested media and fans to respect Virat Kohli's privacy during this time and refrain from speculating on the nature of his personal reasons.
(22.01.2024, 10:57)(10:57)0
AlondraDat Jawbreaker from Joseph reminds me of Marshall !!(19.01.2024, 08:26)(08:26)0
ketchimFirst ball DUCK but was Hazlewood !(18.01.2024, 14:48)(14:48)0
AlondraTage to face(16.01.2024, 19:35)(19:35)0
AlondraStarc has the ball(16.01.2024, 19:29)(19:29)0
AlondraRally(16.01.2024, 19:29)(19:29)0
ketchimAustralia win Toss and chose to field(16.01.2024, 19:19)(19:19)0
ketchim6:30 p.m. EST(16.01.2024, 17:09)(17:09)0
ketchim1st TEST : 6>30 EST....this evening ....Australia time is tomorrow lol(16.01.2024, 17:01)(17:01)0
chairmanWest Indies U19s clapped up New Zealand U19s in the warm up game.

Nathan Sealey, Joshua Dorne and Jewel Andrew the star turns.
(15.01.2024, 07:42)(07:42)0
ketchimMatch Draw but 105 to DaSilva and 99 to Kavem Hodge.....so good warm up match result !...(13.01.2024, 13:15)(13:15)0
ketchim251 - 8(10.01.2024, 12:59)(12:59)0
ketchimMotie and Sinclair not out ~(10.01.2024, 12:56)(12:56)0
ketchimWarm Up match and couple of boys made DUCK 8 down for 232(10.01.2024, 12:55)(12:55)0
ketchimTEST match starts on 16th !(07.01.2024, 13:55)(13:55)0
AlondraRanji Trophy is BACK, another Exciting Season to look forward too. Big Scores, Grand Daddy Centuries, Lots of 6 and 7 Fer .(07.01.2024, 08:11)(08:11)0
ketchimIndia became the first team to lose six wickets without scoring a run in Tests(03.01.2024, 13:55)(13:55)0
Chris
Go to top