Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
WAHSINGTON - FILE
THE AVERAGE man could be turned off by an experience like that of Dwight Washington.
St. James resident Washington was a part of the West Indies squad for their recent four-Test series against South Africa and after being in the 12-man squad for the first three Tests, he was finally given an opportunity.
After bowling economically but finishing wicketless in a drawn match on the lifeless pitch at the Antigua Recreation Ground, he was promptly dropped and not considered for the One-day series which followed, as well as the current series with Pakistan.
All of that has left the man, who at 6'5" tall and 200 pounds looks like a giant among the current crop of fast bowlers, hungry for more.
"I am definitely hungry for more now," the 22-year-old Washington told The Gleaner.
Said Washington of his Test debut:
SPECIAL MOMENT
"It was a special moment for me. It has made me think about cricket differently. I now know the rigours of the game and what is required."
The spirit in the squad, he said, was great and the players made him feel welcome. But while he was delighted to get a taste of the highest level of cricket, Washington was not satisfied with his overall performance.
"In the end when I analysed the performance, when I looked at everything it was an all right performance but I was not satisfied with the speed at which I bowled as I have bowled faster," said the former Cornwall College student.
He also believes that he has some problems to iron out with his bowling just at the point of delivery.
SMALL FLAW
"As to my bowling action, it is fine. I just have a small flaw at the point when I am about to deliver. That I will have to sort out too," he explained.
Based on his experience, Washington knows that he will have to do a lot of work to get back into the frame for West Indies selection.
"What took me to the Test level was hard work and dedication but I guess I will have to work harder in order to get back there," said the man who prior to getting into the Jamaican team distinguished himself with the West Indies 'B' Team in partnership with Barbadian Jason Bennett.
And it appears as if he is not the only one with that opinion as he returned to Jamaica armed with a fitness and strengthening programme designed by West Indies coach Bennett King and strength and conditioning coach Bryce Kavanagh.
NEEDS TO BE FITTER
"I got a programme that I am working on. It is largely a strength and conditioning programme. It entails a lot of running, a lot of gym work and a lot of cardiovascular work. There are some stretches too but these are not different from what I am used to," explained Washington, who conceded that he he needs to be fitter and stronger.
Prior to his debut game Washington served as 12th man for the first three Tests while Fidel Edwards, a proven Test bowler but one who was coming back from injury and who had not had much cricket, was brought in from outside the 12 and played ahead of him.
While some supporters of the Caribbean team questioned his non-inclusion in the final eleven, Washingston said he had no problems with the wait.
"The wait was not a problem for me as I knew I had certain things to work on so I did not mind it," he explained.
Now he will be waiting for another opportunity but this wait will not be an idle one as he will continue working with his trainer, Mr. Mitchell. He also has plans to work with someone, whom he will not name as yet, on his bowling.
