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Aged 29, and four years after his one and only experience of international cricket, Vasbert Drakes still has his mind set on a recall to the West Indies team.

The Barbados fast bowler informed his English county, Nottinghamshire, yesterday he would not return next season because he hoped to be touring with the West Indies instead.

Drakes has been ineligible for selection under West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) regulations that oblige players to commit to all domestic first-class matches to qualify for Test selection. Contracts in South Africa have freed him for only one match for Barbados in the past three seasons.

I feel that I am at the peak of my career now and I have got to give it my best shot in seeking to play for the West Indies, he said in Nottingham.

Its hard to make a full-blooded commitment because of the present circumstances and my contract to Border (in South Africa), but if there is a shift in policy, then I want to give myself every chance of meeting the requirements for selection.

The WICB recently stated that it would review its qualification criteria. Although it gave no details, it has raised hopes that Drakes could return home to play at least a few Busta Cup matches for Barbados.

No response

Drakes attorney, Philip Nicholls, said yesterday he had repeatedly sought clarification on Drakes situation from the WICB but had received no response.

Ive only read that the WICB has said it would review the whole issue but that is all, he stated.

Nottinghamshire cricket manager Clive Rice, the former South African all-rounder, said: I think the West Indies would be foolish to continue overlooking his claims because of red tape.

In his first season with Nottinghamshire, Drakes was among the leading bowlers in county cricket with 48 first-class wickets. It followed on an outstanding season for Border in South Africa when he won the Most Valuable Player award in the first-class SuperSport Series with 56 wickets.

There was no need for Drakes to sever his ties with Nottinghamshire next season. If he does make the West Indies team, the county would have to release him under International Cricket Council (ICC) rules. If he doesnt, he would continue playing.