Kanhai and Sarwan Guyana’s sizzlers

THE EDITOR: I am absolutely elated over WI seven wicket victory against Sri Lanka on Sunday. Lara and Sarwan demolished the visitors bowling attack in an exhibition of orbital batsmanship.

King Lara was of course majestic, but Sarwan’s sizzling 82 off 110 balls (13 fours and one six) vividly reminded me of his fellow Guyanese, Rohan Kanhai’s onslaught against England in August 1963, on the fourth and final day at the Oval, in London. In what has been described as one of the finest displays on attacking batsmanship seen in Test cricket since World War Two, Kanhai collared the English attack to all parts of the field, smashing 77 runs in 103 balls including 10 fours and a six as WI cruised to an eight wicket victory. On his dismissal at 191, Kanhai walked off the field laughing, Sarwan appeared to be crestfallen. These two innings were adventurous batting at its best.

Suddenly, strike bowler Mervyn Dillon is now a spectator as the two very young turks, Taylor and Edwards have stolen the spotlight. Both are clocking 85-90 mph now and, it would be a frightening proposition for opposing batsmen when they start to put on some muscle mass. Lara has led the team inspirationally. Insularity has been replaced by camaraderie. Coach Gus Logie has performed superbly. As the captain correctly stated, the tour to South Africa in October will be the true test of our progress. Could this victory be the turn of the tide? West Indians fans await with bated breath.

REZA  ABASALI
Barataria