By Ravendra Madholall
Former Jamaica and West Indies fast-bowler Franklyn Rose clearly stated that players in the West Indies need to change their attitude if not West Indies performances might continue to be poor.
The 51-year-old Rose, who played 19 tests and 27 one-day internationals, made this revelation from his home in Jamaica recently in an exclusive interview with www.usacricketers.com.
He vehemently is calling on the players to have the right frame of mind when representing the region. He wants them to be role model, he wants them to be disciplined at all time and change their attitudes when it comes to international duties.
“Our players need to change their attitudes in the region and I think that is what is affecting our performances over the years, if not our cricket will continue to decline,” Rose commented.
Quizzed on the standard of the regional cricket, Rose responded: We don’t see the bouncy pitches anymore, our fast-bowlers need good pitches to bowl on, we need them to be prepared for international assignments and again these come down to the attitude of our players, people blame the administrators but if the players don’t have the right attitude, then things can’t go right” Rose related.
Filling the gap between the youth to senior level is of paramount importance, according to Rose.
“We have got to put things in place to help the youngsters after finishing off at the youth level; we want proper structure, we want good cricket after that youth tournament so we can keep our talented young players in good shape, we don’t want them to have the same attitude from the youth stage and then transfer it to the big stage, so we have got to be smart and change our whole attitude when it comes to our cricket in the Caribbean,” Rose, who picked up 53 wickets in the longest format, declared.
Questioned him about West Indies’ approach in Zimbabwe where West Indies and the hosts are competing in a two-match test series and then they (West Indies) will ahead across to South Africa for two tests, three one-days and similar number of T20s, Rose believes they have to beat Zimbabwe to boost their confidence for the stronger opponents.
“Zimbabwe is weaker to South Africa obviously, but based on our performances and the way our cricket is at the moment, we have an opportunity to make a big statement against Zimbabwe first; but again we have to bring the right attitude to the table first and come out victorious,” Rose exclaimed.
Since his retirement, Rose has been a steady presence in the United States of America featuring for various clubs in Los Angeles while he has been involved in humanitarian services back in Jamaica.
He performed a number of coaching roles as well to add to his cricketing criteria.
Like many ex-West Indies players, Rose has reached out to the schools to help with the promotion of cricket. According to the quickie, he is doing voluntary coaching with over 30 schools in Jamaica.
“Well, the youths need to be given the chance; I go into schools and try to spot talented players; I always wanted to contribute back to the game; I strongly believe in coaching so I am willing to assist,” Rose mentioned.
Asked about his most memorable display on the international scene, Rose replied with a smile stating that his 6-100 against India in his test debut. He acknowledged the star-studded batting line-up India had possessed but he eager to bowl to them all, especially the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
“When I got his wicket, it was like a dream come true; I had always wanted to bowl to Sachin and that was extremely special for me,” Rose joyfully said.
Despite that personal accomplishment, Rose informed that Australian Ricky Ponting was his favorite batsman because he was a great hooker of the ball and also admired his temperament.
The Level Two Certified Coach Rose also stated that the late Malcom Marshall was his favorite fast-bowler but was indeed delighted to bowl alongside West Indian legends Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, both pacers.
During his cricketing career, Rose revealed that Lord’s Cricket ground was a special venue for him and enjoyed playing cricket in England while plying his trade in County cricket for a number of years.