CricInfo Home
News Home

NEWS FOCUS
Rsa in Pak
NZ in India
Zim in Aus

Domestic
Other Series

Talented Barbadian all-rounder Ryan Hurley has the ability to play cricket for the West Indies, says former Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies off-spinner Rangy Nanan.

Nanan was recently appointed general manager of the Clico Preysal Sports Club, which had Hurley on its roster during the 2000-2001 domestic season in the twin-island republic.

"The guy has the ability to reach far. I was very happy when he played for us last season.

"He can bowl, bat and field. He was an asset to our club. We were very impressed with him," he told NATIONSPORT in a recent interview.

"I have noticed his performances in the Barbados trials. I saw that he got a score of 90-odd and three times he took five wickets or more in an innings, so I am looking forward to seeing him back in the Barbados team," said Nanan.

"He can be useful on the West Indies team. With his age, he is still a young man (27 years old), if he performs in the regional tournament, I'm sure he'll have the chance to address the selectors."

Hurley, a diminutive off-spinner and attacking right-handed batsman, has enjoyed a purple patch on the local cricket circuit over the past seven months.

The Pickwick player had the distinction of being the only player to achieve the double when he scored 504 runs and captured over 70 wickets in the Courts/Suzuki Division 1 competition.

Hurley, who is among a select group of Barbadians to score a century and take five wickets in an innings in a first-class match, has put the disappointment of being overlooked for the 2002 Red Stripe Bowl behind him.

Representing the Northern Pelicans, he gave sterling performances in all three Zonal matches of the inaugural Arawak Cement Cup when he was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his all-round contribution of 156 runs and 23 wickets.

Nanan said Preysal Club was keen to have Hurley play in Trinidad & Tobago once again, but with the new rule restricting clubs to playing only one foreign player in a match, the more experienced Keith Arthurton has been preferred.

"It was a pity that the National League Executive has allowed only one overseas "pro". You can register two but only play one at a time," he said.

"The club went for Arthurton because we have a lot of young players in our team.

"By having a Test player play alongside our 15-year-old guys, who had played in the winning Cost Cutter Youth World Cup team for the West Indies, it was felt he would be able to share his experience and also give guidance more so than Hurley, who is still a young man," Nanan contended.

"But if the National League changes its rules, Clico Preysal would want to invite Hurley."

Nanan lauded Hurley for his attitude and general conduct while he played for Preysal.

"His discipline was quite good. He is a quiet person. We never had a problem with him as such."

© The Barbados Nation