Guyana needs fitness standards
… says Roger Harper
Guyana Chronicle
January 1, 2005

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FORMER Guyana cricket captain and coach of West Indies senior team, Roger Harper, believes the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) should set mandatory standards for all levels of cricket as part of criteria for being selected on any national team.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Harper lamented the improper attitude of some of today’s players -- "too many players turn up to training camp to start getting fit and that should not be, they need to work harder to raise their level of fitness prior to coming to camp."

The former Test all-rounder added "Guyana should set a fitness standard level for all teams to be eligible for selection".

Harper who, along with coach Albert Smith, had to be confined to the indoor gymnasium for most of the camp due to persistent rains was however, pleased with the way the players warmed to the hard work, "I think this year we had an opportunity to prepare better than in the recent past, but it still was not enough time to prepare a team for any first class competition.

I must commend the players for the way in which they worked hard to raise their fitness level which subsequently has raised their focus and of course this will help their technique."

I think we made the most of what time and practice was available.

The lanky Harper looking as fit as he looked in his prime cited the team as a "pretty young balanced team that should do well".

The morale in the team is pretty good and all the players want to achieve when the battle begins.