GARETH Breese has always been considered a prime candidate to replace Robert Samuels as captain of the national cricket team.
Recently he was appointed to the post and his first task is to lead Jamaica in the 2004 regional Carib Beer Series first-class league competition.
Breese was a former Jamaica and West Indies Youth captain and Samuels' former deputy.
He gives his all when playing for Jamaica, the West Indies and his club Lucas, and also raps well with his team-mates.
In the one Test match that he has played so far, just over a year ago against India, Breese had figures of 2-108 in the second Test.
His first-class record stands at 42 matches with 1553 runs at an average of 28.75, with a best of 124. In the bowling department, the former Wolmer's and UTech student has 131 wickets, his best 7-60.
The Gleaner caught up One and One with Breese during Jamaica's Carib Beer Series preparation match at Sabina Park on Saturday.
QUESTION: How much did you learn from Robert Samuels?
GARETH BREESE: Samuels was a very good captain for Jamaica. I learnt a lot from 'Sammy'. 0I only hope I can put it into practice when I go out on the field.
Q: Did you like his style of leadership?
GB: I had no problems with the way he led the team, as I said before I think he was a good leader for Jamaica.
Q: How did you feel on your Test debut?
GB: It was one of the most memorable experiences of my career. Obviously it was the highlight of my career. At the moment I am grateful I got to Test level and hopefully I can work my way back there.
Q: What went through your mind when you were not selected for the following Test (against India)?
GB: Obviously it's going to be a sense of disappointment - you just played in the first Test, then you're not selected for the second Test. But I don't think I am a world beater, I don't have a secure place in the 11.
Q: Take us back to your days in youth cricket, what was it like then?
GB: I really enjoyed playing for Jamaica at all levels, more so youth cricket. I had a lot of responsibilities, I was captain for two years out of the three I played, we won those two years.
Q: Is Caribbean cricket improving or in decline?
GB: I think when you look at the talent pool that we have in the Caribbean, yes, I do believe its not on the move up.
Q: You are not the captain of Lucas, why?
GB: It a situation where I am away a lot playing cricket in England and it's kind of hard for someone to captain for two games.
Q: What's your main aim playing first-class cricket in England?
GB: My aim is to be playing first-class cricket all year round. Basically, I am just looking to improve my overall game and improve my professionalism.
Q: What's your impression on coaches in the Caribbean and particularly in Jamaica?
GB: In the Caribbean we have a lot of investments put into coaching. The coaching base has been widened greatly over the last few years, I think it's a step in the right direction, so people are getting qualified coaches from the youth level all the way through and I think it can only improve our cricket.
Q: Can you lead Jamaica to Carib Beer Championship honours?
GB: I can lead Jamaica. I cannot guarantee championship success, but I am going to lead Jamaica to the best of my ability.
Q: It was said that Wavel Hinds should lead Jamaica, but you are the new captain, will you be trying to prove a point?
GB: No, no. Proving a point is only going to create a rift. I don't need to prove any point. We have always been a good team, the Jamaica squad.
Q: You are an all-rounder, which part of your game do you spend most time working on?
GB: As a all-rounder sometimes it's a bit difficult, but I try to spend as much time on both, because I see where I am vital in both areas, especially in Jamaica's squad.
Q: If you were to rate your performances for Jamaica, which one would you rate as the best?
GB: With the ball, I would say when I got 10 wickets in a semi-final match against Barbados. With the bat, I really enjoyed making 98 last year in Trinidad. It's my highest first-class score in regional cricket.
Q: What do you do outside of cricket?
GB: There is not much time outside of cricket.
- Anthony Foster
