Cricketers, coaches, and administrators alike have welcomed the return of the domestic two-day tournament for just the second time in six years. The Premier League 2-Day got underway in late September, with two leading officials telling St Lucia Times that this format is crucial.
The 2023 calendar was one of the most packed in recent memory, but schools, clubs, and districts only got to play T10, T20, and 50-overs cricket. Shaun Alcindor, operations manager for the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association, said in a social media post that the longer game is needed for young players to work on technique.
“Most cricketers in Saint Lucia are more interested in the shorter format,” said Alcindor. “However, the longer format is where you really develop proper cricketers. We have not had two-day since 2020 right before Covid hit. Before that we didn’t have in 2019 and I believe 2018.”
Gros Islet recorded a massive win over Desruisseaux by an innings and 492 runs this past weekend at the Gros Islet Playing Field. Gros Islet coach Alton Crafton shares the opinion that two-day cricket needs to be a staple.
“I’m very happy that the opportunity has been given to players now to play two-day cricket,” said Crafton. Because it’s a long time we haven’t done that. And we really need to play in such cricket to develop the mental space of players, and for players to really develop the love for batting and bowling.
That coming back now into the cricket, it’s something we need to keep going and sustain it. I think there will be a big difference in terms of players improving themselves through that cricket. The white bowl has its role but I don’t think the white ball really develops batsmanship and bowlers. I think the two-day is the ideal platform for that.”
