Pick Ganga for First Test says Bishop

Former West Indies Fast Bowler Ian Bishop, who is in Zimbabwe with the West Indies team, believes that Daren Ganga should be selected for the First Test match against Zimbabwe beginning tomorrow.

“Based on the form that Daren Ganga has demonstrated, and the fact that he can fill that number three position very good, he should be on the starting team. Ganga must have the edge over Marlon Samuels at the moment. “Now all of this is assuming that Wavell Hinds will open the innings with Chris Gayle and then Ganga will fit in at the position number three,” Bishop told Newsday. “We have to remember for the balance of the team that it would be better for Brian Lara and Ramnaresh Sarwan to bat later with (Shivnarine) Chanderpaul, we have to just keep all the players focused on the job,” he added. Bishop however warned the West Indies players to be mindful that even though Zimbabwe on paper look a weak team with some of their best players not here, they are playing at home and they will have crowd support. “As well their captain Heath Streak is a class player and he always puts his heart into it,” noted Bishop.

“We can expect the same sort of surfaces we have encountered in the past, so there will be a good surface for batting and the bowlers will generally have to work at it,” he declared. “But from what I have seen so far from the team is a determination to get the job done , and there is a good camaraderie between the players and they are all eager to perform, it has been a while since we have had any cricket, after Sri Lanka in terms of other cricket not One-Dayers,” he said. Bishop, who has been involved with newcomer to the West Indies team, Ravi Rampaul is expectant that he will do well. “I have been involved with Ravi Rampaul from since 14 or 15 and he has always demonstrated his willingness to learn. I know he has told me, he just does not want to settle for making the team, he wants to do more. And when the time reaches, he is going to give of his best and that is all you can ask,” stated Bishop.