Rampaul praises Ian Bishop

Newly selected West Indies fast bowler Ravi Rampaul has credited the influence of Ian Bishop for his meteoric rise.

The teenager said yesterday that he enjoys “a father/son relationship” with former West Indies quickie Ian Bishop, now a television commentator. Rampaul was selected to tour Zimbabwe with the WI cricketers after an impressive Red Stripe Bowl series with the regional Under-19 team. Speaking at the office of Anthony Harford, chairman of the CLICO Preysal Club, Rampaul said he was fortunate to get help from Bishop in his development. “He has been there right at my side since 1998 and I must say thanks to him for all his help,” said in a prepared statement. Bishop was captain of Clico Preysal Cricket Club in 1998 when Rampaul started his career and gave the youngster, then 14-years-old, the new ball to open the bowling with him.

“Ian has always been at my side giving me advice and correcting my faults. He has been great to me and I must let you all know that it is not only cricket he has helped me with. Sometimes in the night he would call me at home and talk about life and what I should and shouldn’t do. Once he told me that success will come my way if I am prepared to work hard at my game,” he stated. Rampaul also added that he is blessed to belong to the village of Preysal and to the Clico Preysal Cricket Club. “Everything I have learnt to date has been because of the love and support I have received from the community and from my club. I have been inspired by our former captain Bishop and given guidance by Debideen Mannick, Prakash Sookai, Boya Sahadeo, Rishi Dookran, Rangy Nanan, Keith Arthurton, Eugene Antoine and Kenny Benjamin. My club’s executive has looked after us with great care,” he said. Harford said that it will be a great plus for Rampaul that assistant coach of the West Indies team Kenny Benjamin is a Preysal player. “Kenny knows all about Ravi and will prove to be a great help for him on tour. Also Bishop will be on the commentary team and he will be there to lend his support and advice.”

Rampaul also thanked the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) as well as his family for all the support they gave him throughout his career. The 18-year-old pacer is the fourth Preysal player and third son of the soil to play for the West Indies. He follows in the footsteps of Inshan Ali, Rangy Nanan and Marlon Black. Ali, Rangy and Ravi were all born and bred in Peysal, Black who hails from California was selected while playing for Preysal. Rampaul leaves today for Antigua where he joins the rest of the West Indies team for the pre-tour camp.