Hick gives Windies ‘Hick-ups’ with unbeaten 77 as England win by 7 wkts

Dec 02, 2009 Sports

---

By Sean Devers in Barbados
Under a cloudless sky, a raucous Independence Holiday crowd of over 8,000 watched as Graeme Hick smashed a magnificent unbeaten 77 to lead England to a 7-wicket win against the West Indies here on Monday at the famous Kensington Oval in the Cricket Legends of Barbados (CLOB) International Masters 20/20 cricket tournament.
The atmosphere under lights was like a World Cup battle and the large number of English tourists on the Island filled up the ground while the locals were not to be outdone as the names of the former world beaters were like a magnet to the fans.
Gordon Greenidge, now 58, showed why he is regarded as one of most sound West Indies openers ever and a trade-mark back cut for four off Darren Gough during his undefeated 61 reminded the older fans of the ‘good old days’ of West Indies cricket and helped the home team to 136-6 off their 20 overs.
When Curtly Ambrose had Mark Alleyne caught behind for a 2nd ball duck before England had scored the home fans, blowing horns and waving flags, were in a frenzy. However, the 43-year-old Hick spoiled their party by seeing the visitors to 140-3 in the final over bowled by left-arm spinner Jimmy Adams.
The CLOB sees this inaugural competition featuring prominently in the Island’s sports tourism thrust to attract more visitors to Barbados during rough periods for Tourism and this initiative has been fully endorsed by the Barbados Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism.
As if watching the West Indies play in their World Series ‘gray and maroon’ colours, seeing players like 57-year-old John Emburey diving full stretch on the boundary or the tingling sensation experienced when the entire ground exploded with a crescendo of noise as crowd-favorite Carl Hooper walked out to bat was not enough, an after match party with a live band added to the night’s entertainment package.
“It is expected that such a tournament would create sufficient interest to attract visitors to Barbados not only to enjoy the beautiful sun, sea and sand but participate in and make use of the various sports facilities on the Island,” Barbados Minister of Youth, Family and Sports Ester Bryer-Suckoo told Kaieteur Sports.
Stuart Williams was the early aggressor and on a track with some pace and bounce, was willing to pull whenever the 39-year-old Gough or his new ball partner 38-year-old Dominic Cork bowled short.
Greenidge played the supporting role before Williams (25) edged 39-year-old Deon Headley to Keeper Paul Nixon at 41-1 in the 6th over.
Even at a time when West Indies cricket is at its lowest, Bajans love their cricket and adore Hooper and when ‘Sir’ Carl made his way out to the middle the ovation was deafening.
Even with a few extra pounds and not playing any cricket at all now where he resides in Australia, Hooper stroked Gough elegantly for 2 and the fans were expectant. The 42-year-old Guyanese, who made 44 in their opening game against Sri Lanka was disappointed and a tame pull off Headley at 47-2 in the 8th over ended his innings for 3.
The 43-year-old Phillip DeFreitas had Courtney Browne (6) caught behind while off-spinner Emburey removed Rawl Lewis (13) as West Indies slipped to 85-4.
Nehemiah Perry (1) then got the ball of the match and gloved a nasty neck-high bouncer from Gough to the Keeper as he hurriedly fended.
Greenidge changed gear in the last 4 overs and hit Emburey for a six over long-on and swept into the stands over square-leg next ball, before bringing up his fifty with an audacious straight-driven boundary in the over and the crowd went wild.
“Its all about pacing your innings and batting long. I am not as young as I used to be but once you enjoy batting and spend time in the middle you should make runs,” a tired Greenidge told Kaieteur Sports after his entertaining innings.
There were several youngsters watching including some members of the Barbados and West Indies youth teams and even at 58, Greenside provided a lesson in building an innings, even in a 20/20 match. His innings lasted 51 balls and was decorated with 5 fours and 2 sixes
A diving save at deep cover by 40-year-old Mark Ramprakash and some bullet-like returns from Hick in the deep also demonstrated what could be achieved when you play with passion and commitment.
After Alleyne’s demise, left-arm pacer Ian Bradshaw, the youngest player in the match at 35, had Craig White (3) caught behind while Vasbert Drakes removed Ramprakash (29) just when he was being to look good to leave England on 74-3 in the 12th over.
However, the left-handed Nixon (23*) joined Man-of-the-Match Hick who played an array of scintillating shots on the lush green and billiards table smooth Kensington sward to see England home with an unfinished 67-run partnership.
A diving save at short mid-wicket and a one-handed pick up and throw from Skipper Vivian Richards rekindled memories of his 1975 exploits when he brilliantly ran out Alan Turner and the Chappell brothers as West Indies beat Australia to take the inaugural World Cup.
Adams and Williams were as energetic as ever in the outfield while the crowd roared every time Hooper, who bowled 4 tight overs of medium pace, touched a ball in the field.
Before the start of play, the teams observed a minute’s silence in respect of the passing of Lorraine Nurse, wife of former Barbados and West Indies batsman Seymour Nurse, who is also a member of the Cricket Legends of Barbados.
The West Indies play South Africa tonight in their next match.

---

---