By Akeem Greene
Guyanese all-rounder Kevin Sinclair was selected to both of West Indies limited-overs squad for the visit by Sri Lanka, and according it him, it is the tireless hours of work with this 73-year-old grandfather, Carlton Sinclair, which has brought him to the doors of international cricket.
Speaking to News Room Sport and Cricket West Indies media, the 21-year-old revealed his Grandfather is a Security Guard and the two have had a close bond in developing his skills.
“It is a great feeling to be called-up; I must say thanks to my grandfather for working day and night with me. He is a Security Guard and still works day and night with me, and even quarrels with me when I don’t do good. I just want to say this is for him and I feel good to make him proud,” Sinclair expressed.
Sinclair, who plays for Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, but is from ‘Cow Dam’, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, said it was always the senior Sinclair’s dream for him to play international cricket.
“This is always his dream, me representing West Indies, so me being selected in the squad will be a dream come through for him and all the hard work he put in with me paid off.”
The off-spinner, who had strong performances in Guyana’s domestic tournaments, made his List A debut during the 2019 Super50 for champions, West Indies Emerging Players.
He played nine matches and took 13 wickets at an average of 14.69 and had the tournament’s best economy rate of 2.87, to go along with 132 runs with the bat.
That performance was followed by having the second best economy rate in the 2020 Caribbean Premier League (4.35) and five wickets at 12.20.
In the just concluded CG Insurance Super50 Cup, in which Guyana Jaguars finished runners-up to Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, Sinclair picked up five wickets from seven games, and had an economy rate of 3.48, the fifth best in the tournament.
“I am looking forward to learning a lot; most of the senior guys in the squad will help the younger guys so I just want to learn and be up there like those guys in the future.”
He added, “My bowling has been going good for me. I just want to stick with the bowling skill for now. I represented Guyana at the Under-19 level and did well with the ball and with the bat, now, coming into senior cricket that has not been going well for me [but] I am looking to rectify that in the future by hitting more balls but right now my bowling is getting ahead of my batting but I am working on it.”
Looking back at the 2019 Super50, Sinclair indicated it was a special moment and special group who got solid advice from coach Floyd Reifer.
Playing at the highest level means more consistency, according to the young spinner.
“From watching [international cricket] and playing First-Class, you have to be up there with your consistency in bowling, batting and fielding. It will be a special moment for all who supported me through my failures and success.”
He further related to News Room Sport that he was not expecting to be called-up so soon, but said he knew the time will come given the start he has had at the Regional level.
