Sarwan not dwelling on WICB contract snub

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Earlier this year, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) selected 15 players to be placed on central retainer contracts for the period October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011. One of the most noticeable absentees from the list of players retained was Guyanese middle-order batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan.

Sarwan is one of the most senior and experienced batsmen in the West Indies cricket team therefore, it came as a surprise to many that he was dropped from the list of contracted players.

The 31-year-old Guyanese captain is not dwelling on the decision of the board, however, but instead is looking to just continue improve his game.

Beyond his control

"I think they (WICB) have made their decision, and regardless whether I am disappointed or not, it has already happened and I can't really pay too much attention to that," Sarwan stated. "That is something beyond my control and I just have to continue to play my cricket, and I guess everything will work out," he added.

The reason cited for Sarwan's omission was concerns over his attitude, approach to fitness and physical preparation. He has been taking steps to improve his fitness, and is of the opinion that he has made great strides.

"I have really worked hard over the past couple of months and I think over the period I have been with the (Guyanese) squad, they have asked me to get to a certain level," Sarwan cited. "Every level they have asked me to get to, I have got to that level.

"Apparently it is not for me to judge any more, so, like I said, it is important for me to continue to play my cricket and enjoy it. That's what I have been doing, I have been enjoying my cricket and trying to improve day by day," he stated.

On the other hand, the diminutive right-hander does not share the view that he has an attitude problem.

"I don't know of the attitude problem that I have had, I have never had an attitude. No one approached me about a bad attitude in Australia when the report was written."

The former West Indies captain was quick to point out that the contract snub will not have any impact on his commitment to the regional team.

Three of the players who were offered retainer contracts - Christopher Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard - turned down their contracts. Sarwan, however, believes that it is up to each individual.

"At the end of the day, everyone has to make their own choice," Sarwan stated. "The guys who signed and the guys who don't sign, they are old enough to make their own decisions. We know that everyone enjoys 20/20, but obviously Test cricket is the best level you could play, but I don't think you can kill any anyone for making their own decision," he concluded.

Sarwan, a veteran of 83 Tests and 153 ODIs, averages over 40 in both forms of the game. He made his test debut against Pakistan during the 2000 home series - a match in which he was unbeaten in both innings, including a first innings score of 84.