Caribbean batsmen and bowlers now have 100,000 additional reasons to strive for excellence in this year's Busta Cricket Series.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) will award US$50,000 to the first Caribbean batsman to score 1000 runs (inclusive of all Busta Cup or Busta International Shield matches) in this regional season. Batsmen from the six Caribbean regional teams as well as the West Indies B team are eligible for this award. Already, Stuart Williams, captain of the Leeward Islands, has scored 274 runs (160 and 114) in just two innings with a possible 16 innings left and has taken an early lead over other regional batsmen.

Bowlers will also have added incentive to raise their level of performances. The first Caribbean bowler to take 65 wickets in the Busta Cricket Series will earn US$50,000 as well. As with the batsmen, only bowlers from the six regional sides and West Indies B can win this appealing bonus.

This US$100,000 in super prizes for individual excellence is the largest bounty in regional cricket history and is expected to generate great enthusiasm from the players.

Managers of the Guyana and Barbados teams competing in the first-round Busta Cricket Series match at Kensington Oval in Barbados enthusiastically endorsed the cash reward.

"There will be a lot of inspiration to reach these targets. Any batsman who gets a good start should be able to reach the 1000-run mark and likewise any bowler who can get eight to ten wickets every match should be in with a good chance," said Patrick Legall, manager of the visiting Guyana squad.

His opposite counterpart, Tony Howard, lauded the gesture, noting that all incentives augur well for the success of the Busta Cricket Series. "It's a good thing that should encourage players to work harder," said the Barbadian.

This year's restructured tournament has seen several innovative changes by the WICB to raise the quality and level of competitiveness. The inclusion for the first time of a strong international team, England 'A', promises to provide stiff competition and more varied exposure for the region's players.

In tandem, WICB has structured cash incentives for the players and the territorial boards to perform, particularly against the international team.

Caribbean teams beating England 'A' on first innings will earn US$2,500 while their board receives US$5,000. A win against England 'A' will earn the team US$5,000 and their board US$10,000.

© WICB