What about a Flloyd Reifer recall?
Reifer would still play for Windies
Published: Thursday | March 26, 2009
Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer
Reifer
Former West Indies middle-order batsman Floyd Reifer says he would represent the regional team again if he is selected.
The 36-year-old, who represented the West Indies in four Tests and two one-day internationals between 1997 and 1999, has so far scored two first-class centuries this season and, according to him, should the regional selectors see it fit to call him up, he would be more than happy to make a contribution.
The Barbadian left-hander scored 129 in the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) victory over the Windward Islands in the previous round, then followed up that score with a magnificent 140 that set the platform for his team's second-innings total of 369 in the drawn match against leaders and defending champions Jamaica, which ended on Tuesday at Sabina Park.
I am a professional
"I am an old contender and I take pride in my performances. I am a professional every time I go on the field. If the selectors want to pick me, they pick me, as it would still be a privilege to represent the region again. If not, it's not that big of a deal," said Reifer, who after his last Test in South Africa in 1999, went on to play professionally in Scotland for five years.
According to Reifer, who has been offering guidance and training to players of the youthful CCC team, for which he is the captain and coach, he has a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from being a professional cricketer. And, like Brendan Nash, who is 32, he believes he could help to add stability to the West Indies middle-order if given another opportunity.
"I was scoring a lot of runs and they never picked me," he said, reflecting on past seasons where, after his final Test against South Africa and stints in Scotland, he went on to represent Barbados and then the recently formed CCC.
Not one to quit
"But I am not one to quit and once I am healthy, I will be willing to contribute," said Reifer, whose first-innings score of 129 and second-innings 53 guided the CCC to victory over the title-chasing Windward Islands in the Windwards last weekend.
"Right now, however, I just want to concentrate on helping the youngsters in the CCC team realise their potential by making the West 'A' Team and/or the senior team," added Reifer, who has scored 12 centuries and 36 half-centuries in 119 first-class matches, at an average of 34.53.
