Cricket: Coppin On Barbados vs Bermuda
[Written by Patrick Bean]
Bermuda can expect to be severely tested by Barbados when the two countries square off during the inaugural edition of the Bermuda Premier League [BPL], according to Barbados Cricket Association [BCA] manager, cricket operations and development, Wendell Coppin.
Bermuda is set to meet its Caribbean counterparts in a mouthwatering encounter on the competition’s opening day – Wednesday, September 6 – at White Hill Field, with Coppin promising a full-fledged effort from a Barbados team containing many players looking to establish themselves in the minds of selectors for full-time placement.
“We will be taking this tour extremely serious, all the players on this tour will be on show for selection in the CWI regional Super 50 competition, which is expected to bowl off in October this year,” explained Coppin, a former Barbados and West Indies Under-19 pacer. “The team will be led by the West Indies captain and that in itself is a strength.
“Kraigg is very highly respected in Barbados, and he will of course lead this team with the same zest as all Barbados under his leadership.
“The team is a very balanced one, with several young players who have performed very well in the local domestic season.
“The opening pairing of Leniko Boucher and Rashawn Worrell have formed a formidable partnership for local club Carlton. Leg spinner Javed Leacock will be one to watch.”
Even as Brathwaite will be coming, Bermuda will be denied the opportunity of seeing many of the Barbados and West Indies more pre-eminent limited overs specialists due to contractual commitments to the Caribbean Professional League [CPL], the region’s major franchise tournament.
”Unfortunately, due to the CPL tournament several of the players like Jason Holder, Roston Chase, Kyle Mayers, Shamarh Brooks, Roshon Primus, Ramon Reifer, and others are not available,” revealed Coppin. “However, the team is made up of nine Barbados players, most of who played in the last first class season in either four-day or 50 overs cricket for Barbados.”
Coppin is fully cognizant of what the BPL means to Bermuda in terms of it being a preparatory vehicle designed to aid the island’s quest for qualification for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 at the America’s regional qualifier later this month.
Asked of his country’s objectives in participating in the tournament, Coppin said, “To support the Bermuda team’s quest to reach the 2024 World Cup by providing support and preparation as the team prepare for the CWCQ.
“The Bermuda team can benefit from playing against players who constantly play at a much higher standard, to that of the Bermudians. Benefit from the way the Bajans prepare for matches and the way we approach preparation and the match itself.
“This tour is one that we use to build relationships with Bermuda. I would like to see us form a partnership and have more opportunities for our players in both aspects; perhaps join ventures between the BCB and BCA.”
As development officer, Coppin will be watching closely his young players for progress and for take-charge approaches by individuals between the team context.
Coppin shared that it was this mentality that manufactured him as fierce competitor during his playing days and one that still drives his desire for success today, adding that such should also be the stance of the Bermuda squad members.
“Carpe diem – seize the opportunity,” he said. “This is an opportunity for both boards to rekindle a relationship that was strong and go back many years.
“As a leader in the West Indies for our heritage, culture, and development of legends of the game, the likes of Sir Garfield Sobers, the 3Ws, Hall, Griffith, Haynes, Greenidge, Marshall, Garner, Carlos Brathwaite, and Kemar Roach, to name a few.
“I am sure that we can assist the BCB with numerous aspects of its development and global events participation.”
Meanwhile, the opening day also features Bermuda Select XI, made up of emerging players against a similarly structured unit from Antigua and Barbuda in the form of Grassroots Cricket Academy, which is coached by former West Indies fast bowler Winston Benjamin.
