BERBICE Cricket Board (BCB) president, Hilbert Foster, has confirmed that West Indies fast-bowling legend Andy Roberts will be conducting a clinic in the Ancient County from April 20 to 24.

Sir Andy, part of the West Indies team from 1974 to 1983, snatched 202 wickets in his 47 Test matches averaging a sterling 25.6. The pacer also played in three World Cup finals, two of which the West Indies won.

Roberts also coached the West Indies between 1994 and 1996, including the 1996 World Cup when we reached the semi-finals.

The clinic will be facilitated by Roland Butcher, the first black player to play cricket for England.

Speaking with Chronicle Sport yesterday, Foster said the visit was confirmed when Sir Andy contacted him to offer his services.

According to Foster, Sir Roberts said that Berbice is very special to him as he played at three venues in the county from 1974 up to his retirement – Skeldon, Rose Hall Canje and Albion, where he played two ODIs.

He recalled that the first time that he saw a live alligator was in a trench at Skeldon, and Rose Hall Canje was very special as it was one of the fastest pitches he had worked on.

He is an encyclopedia on cricket and our players would learn much from him and Mr Butcher. During his visit, he and the former England player would receive BCB’s highest award.

Foster also expressed thanks to Basil Butcher Jr. for his support of Berbice cricket. Several other cricketing giants of West Indies cricket and even current international stars are set to be in Berbice over the course of the year as we seek to ensure that every cricketing talent in the county is identified and developed to his/her fullest potential.

All these visits would be covered by the support of friends of Berbice Cricket, who are excited to contribute to our efforts.

Also, Sir Curtly Ambrose will be returning later in the year or early next year to conduct another clinic, following up on his recent successful visit to the Ancient County.