Best focussed on big effort for Hampshire

SOUTHAMPTON, England, CMC – Ex-West Indies and Barbados speedster, Tino Best, says he plans to give his all during his ongoing stint for Hampshire in the English County Champion-ship.

The 34-year-old caught the eye in only his second game for the county when he snatched a five-wicket haul against Lancashire earlier this week.


“That’s why Hampshire have brought me: to run in and express myself and I really enjoyed it,” Best said.

“At the end of the day you only have a short while to play this game and I’m 35 this summer. But I’m fit and strong and I’m always ready to go and to commit myself.”

Best was called up last month as a replacement for fellow former West Indies and Barbadian pacer, Fidel Edwards, who broke his ankle during warm-up on the final morning of Hampshire’s clash with Yorkshire.

His opening game against Middlesex was a frustrating experience as he finished with a single wicket from 25 overs in the game at the Rose Bowl.

And even though conditions were not ideal for fast bowling last Monday at Old Trafford, Best said it was important that he put in a big effort.

“… the sun was warm, the wicket was flat and I thought to myself that this is just like first class cricket in Barbados,” Best noted.

“The sun was hot but you still have to run in hard and bowl quick and that’s what Hampshire are paying me to do.”

He added: “The best wicket for me was getting Steven Croft, a good player who can take the game away from you.

“Alviro Petersen was a prize wicket too and it was a good battle because it was West Indies versus South Africa right there and I’m not going to back down.”

Best and Hampshire next host Nottinghamshire in ten days’ time.