Fast bowling all-rounder Ishmael Peters has been selected to represent the Combined Colleges and Campuses (CCC) for the final two rounds of the West Indies Championship.
The CMW New Winthorpes Lions standout has enjoyed a remarkable season, claiming an impressive 26 wickets at an average of 15.5, including best figures of 5-30 against Bolans Blasters.
“It’s exciting; really, really exciting for me. It seems that my work hasn’t gone in vain,” Peters said following the announcement. “I’ve trained very hard for an opportunity and one has been presented to me. I just hope that I’m up to the par, up to the standard and I’m trying to do my best when I get down there.”
Peters credits improved fitness as the key factor behind his recent success. “I took a good look at my fitness this off-season and really pound hard at it. I think that allowed me to be more focused, concentrate a bit longer, be able to run-in a bit faster, bowl a bit more accurately, and be consistent.”
The talented paceman also acknowledged the significant role his support system has played in his development, particularly coach Winston Benjamin of the Grassroots Cricket Academy, who has worked with Peters since his school days.
“He can pick me out and see when something’s wrong, if something’s going good for me, when to tell me to ease back or go forward or press forward,” Peters explained. “Anything that is an issue, I can turn to him and he helps me the best he can.”
Peters also expressed gratitude to his family, including parents Laura Black and Robert Peters, his sister Carol, and his partner Tatian. He also made special mention of his grandmother, who is currently ill, describing her as a motivating factor in his career.
“I made a promise to her earlier in my years; I think now I’m being able to give her that opportunity to see me strive and see me push through,” he said.
With his call-up to the CCC squad, Peters now has the opportunity to showcase his talents at the regional level and potentially catch the eye of West Indies selectors. CCC will play the West Indies Academy at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground on April 2nd and will battle Jamaica at the same venue one week later on April 9th.
