Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Augustine "Gus" Logie is a former right-handed, middle-order batsman for the West Indies. A diminutive player and exceptional outfielder, Logie played for the West Indies from 1983 to 1991-when they were a champion team. When the team fielded, Logie
Born at Sobo, Trinidad in 1960, Logie developed into a stylish batsman with a fair technique. He began his First-class career with Trinidad and Tobago in the 1977/1978 season. Logie's off-break bowling was occasional in every respect. He was rarely called upon to bowl in First-class cricket and took only five wickets between 1977 and 1993; 3 in First class matches and 2 in one-day matches. His fielding certainly compensated for his lack of all-round ability.
Gus Logie made his ODI debut in the Benson and Hedges World Series Cup of 1981. Amazingly, he played four matches in that series but did not get to bat at all. His first chance to bat in an ODI came in his fifth match against India on his home ground- Queen's Park Oval. Logie scored an unbeaten six runs in that match. He was lucky that he got a chance to bat even then; such was the dominance of the West Indies' batting order.
Logie made his Test debut against India at Kingston in 1983. He actually got a chance to bat - twice! However, he was run out in the first innings for 13 and scored just 10 in the second innings. Logie's Test career was characterised by some important innings, although he was often inconsistent. He scored 16 Test half-centuries, but only 2 centuries. Twice, he was dismissed in the 90s. From 78 Test innings, Logie accumulated 2,470 runs at a good average of 35.79.
Logie's ODI career was characterised by inconsistency also, but this was more acceptable in the short version, when quick runs are often needed. From 158 ODIs, he scored 2,809 runs at an average of 28.95. His batting strike rate was a creditable 73.90. Logie cracked a lone ODI century and 14 half-centuries. He last played for the West Indies in an ODI in 1993-the year when he retired from playing all forms of competitive cricket.
Logie's involvement in cricket did not stop at his retirement as a player, however. He earned his coaching license and took the reins of the West Indies for a couple years until the end of 2004. The highlight of that stint was winning the 2004 ICC Champion's Trophy. He left soon after that and became involved as a coach in Bermuda's cricket programme.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
When West Indies wicketkeeper Jeff Dujon retired, the selectors tried to find an immediate replacement. One of the candidates for the post was Junior Murray. To state that the former Windward Islands wicketkeeper did not fit the bill perfectly is an
Born on January 20th, 1968, Murray became the first player from the tiny island of Grenada to represent the West Indies at the highest level. He had this honour when he made his Test debut in Sydney during the 1992/93 tour of Australia. Unfortunately, in the 33 Tests and 55 ODIs that Murray played since that tour, he failed to earn enough distinctions in front or behind the stumps.
West Indies cricket fans often found that Murray was clumsy behind the stumps. His awkwardness often led to him dropping simple catches in the field. There was not a pair of wicketkeeper's gloves that could conceal Murray's shortcomings at the best of times. Yet, he still managed to take 99 catches and effect three stumpings in his Test career.
If Murray's wicket-keeping fell short of Dujon's standards, his batting was way behind as well. A Test batting average of 22.39 and an ODI average of 22.60 is hardly anything to boast about. Murray managed to score a solitary Test century- his only century at international level. He made that unbeaten 101 batting in 7th position against New Zealand at Wellington in 1995.
Murray normally batted at 7th position for the majority of his Test career. For the Windward Islands, he batted in a higher position- usually between positions 4 and 6 in the batting order. He was a more reliable batsman at First Class level, never playing for teams other than Grenada, Windward Islands and the West Indies.
After a productive regional season in 2002, Murray was a surprise selection for the India's tour of the West Indies. He displaced the redoubtable Ridley Jacobs, who was suffering from a temporary loss of form at the time. Unsurprisingly, Murray failed spectacularly against better bowling and was not particularly impressive behind the stumps. He was never selected to the Caribbean team again, having satisfied selectors that his performances at regional level were very flattering.
Junior Murray extended his playing career with the Windward Islands to 2007, until he was 39 years old- a sign of the paucity of cricket talent in the Windward Islands in that period. His First class career ended with him failing with the bat- a fitting end to an unfulfilled cricket career.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Famous for its opulent temples, pristine beaches and rich cultures, Southeast Asia has long been one of the most popular travel destinations for the adventurous backpacker. From the bustling modern cities of Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to the
Well-trodden paths ply between the most prominent cities and cultural sites of Southeast Asia's big tourism hitters of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. But venture just beyond the headliners and you will encounter a Southeast Asia that is in many ways still waiting to be discovered. Emerging destinations in the more popular countries along with the less traversed Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar offer travelers a fascinating glimpse of the region with the added bonus of much smaller crowds. With less Western visitors in these areas travelers will encounter a Southeast Asia that is worlds away from Khao San Road; an experience within which you can more easily connect to the endearing and friendly locals who make any journey to Southeast Asia so unforgettable.
5 Emerging Destinations in Southeast Asia
Without further ado here is a list of five of the most popular emerging destinations in Southeast Asia in no particular order. These places are by no means completely off-the-beaten path or off-the-radar but rather are becoming increasingly admired among the backpacker and independent travel crowd. Naturally, this does not claim to be an exhaustive list. Southeast Asia as a tourism destination is continually evolving and with more investment into tourist infrastructure pouring in this list could conceivably be re-titled five years from now minus the word "emerging". Before making the decision to travel to any of these destinations, however, it is prudent to seek out up-to-date travel advice including required vaccinations, visa requirements and travel advisories.
Bagan, Myanmar
The temples of Siem Reap in Cambodia may have prestige and grandeur but perhaps no destination in Southeast Asia can compete with the sheer volume of spiritual dwellings in Bagan, Myanmar. With over 2,000 remaining temples gracing the area, Bagan continues to be one of the least known yet unmissable destinations in the region. Hidden southwest of the more recognizable Mandalay and considering the long journey from the former capital and largest city, Yangon, Bagan sees significantly fewer visitors than other temple complexes in Thailand or Cambodia, giving travelers an opportunity to revel in its beauty with relative calm. For one of the truly great experiences in Southeast Asia, perch yourself atop one of the ubiquitous empty temple-top terraces just before dusk to gaze upon the sunset reflecting brilliantly off of the temples' golden spires.
Traveling to Bagan (and Myanmar), however, is definitely not for the faint-hearted or time-pressed traveler, which may explain why it has not yet caught up with its potential. To enter the country visas are required for and must usually be applied for in advance. Distances between cities are also quite large with road conditions that often leave something to be desired. Traveling to/from Bagan is no exception with daily long-distance buses plying the roads to/from Mandalay (8 hours) and Yangon (14-15 hours) while trains trudge the same routes albeit significantly slower. Air travel is an option but keep in mind that safety standards in Myanmar may not be as robust as in Western countries.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers lies the crown jewel of Laos, the majestic town of Luang Prabang. Few cities are as timeless as the UNESCO World Heritage site Luang Prabang with its reminiscent French colonial architecture, grandiose Buddhist temples and traditional Laotian wooden houses jammed neatly into its endearing old quarter. In the shadow of Phu Si and its hillside temples, buzzing markets, ornate spiritual sites and restaurants serving up local and international specials capture the attention of all those passing through. Possessing an elusive charm, Luang Prabang has quickly become a favorite destination for independent travelers on the Southeast Asia circuit and continues to move up the travel ranks as it lures back old friends and deftly seduces new ones.
Road improvements have made bus travel in Laos significantly more comfortable and getting to Luang Prabang considerably easier. Buses to/from the capital Vientiane (9 to 11 hours) and adrenaline-fueled Vang Vieng (7 hours) leave regularly while boats can be chartered for the amazing trip to Nong Khiaw (7 hours) along the Nam Ou.
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Home to a burgeoning backpacker culture of sorts, Yogyakarta, Java's geographic and cultural center, is rapidly evolving into one of the most popular travel destinations in Indonesia. Strategically located on the main line between Jakarta and Bali, Jogja, its moniker to locals and admiring travelers alike, has become an almost mandatory stopover for those trekking across Java. And with good reason. Jogja itself has a wealth of attractions including art galleries and museums showcasing Javanese culture and the famous kraton, a grandiloquent walled palace at the heart of the city, once home to the sultans. The traveler's enclave centered around Jalan Sosrowijayan is a surprisingly lively introduction to Indonesian, particularly Javanese, culture and hospitality, where it is not unusual to see hip, friendly locals mingling seamlessly with tourists in the area's streets, bars and restaurants.
Yogyakarta's biggest tourist drawcard, however, is the iconic Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple, situated just 42km away. Constructed somewhere around 800 AD, the temples intricate panels and stupas are best seen under the gentle radiance of a sunrise when large tour groups have yet to arrive.
Transport to/from Jogja is fairly simple since the city is well connected to the rest of Java by buses, minibuses and trains. The journey to/from Jakarta is most comfortable and shortest by train (8 hours) while the long-haul to Denpasar in Bali (15 to 16 hours) via Mt. Bromo (9 to 10 hours) is most directly accomplished by bus/minibus.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Possessing a distinctive character that is all its own, the charming riverside town of Hoi An captivates visitors with its enticing blend of graceful architecture and a bucolic pace. At the heart of Hoi An sits the enduring Old Town, a veritable open-museum distinguished enough to be designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Partially because of this status, Hoi An is remarkably well-preserved and in walking the narrow alleyways it is not difficult to see why so many travelers are becoming increasingly enchanted by the town and its entrancing atmosphere.
Located on the main coastal highway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, although quite far from each, Hoi An has reliable bus connections to many cities in Vietnam. Buses to/from Hue (4 to 5 hours), Danang (about 1 hour) and Nha Trang (9 to 10 hours) are available. If you are short on time but still want to visit Hoi An, flying to/from Danang to HCMC or Hanoi is a possible option.
Pai, Thailand
Throw the spirit of Haight-Ashbury circa 1967 into a misty valley in the foothills of northern Thailand and something resembling Pai may just materialize. An increasingly popular backpacker hotspot, laid-back and uber-cool Pai is one of Thailand's fastest growing tourist destinations. Unlike the other places on this list, Pai has seemingly little in the way of sights; but what Pai lacks in landmarks it more than makes up for in atmosphere and location. Once a mere stopover for those heading north of Chiang Mai, travelers now venture to Pai for its fantastic trekking, rafting, elephant riding and spa relaxation options.
Located in northern Thailand, Pai is accessible by bus from Chiang Mai (4 hours), the second most popular international gateway to the country, and Mae Hong Son (4 hours), a major hill-tribe trekking center.
Other Emerging Destinations
With so much to discover in Southeast Asia, choosing only five emerging destinations can hardly do justice to such a diverse and exceedingly engrossing region. Here are some other destinations to keep on radar that deserve an honorable mention:
Kalaw (Myanmar) Palawan (Philippines) Kinabalu National Park (Malaysia) Ko Tao (Thailand) Battambang (Cambodia)
Monday, April 2, 2012
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Mervyn Dillon West Indies
Image via WikipediaDillon was discarded by West Indies selectors at the age of 31; the victim of unreasonably high expectations. Dillon's statistics reveal that he was a good stock bowler who can be expected to deliver wickets. However, he also served up many juicy full-tosses, half-volleys and harmless bouncers to grateful batsmen. Geoff Boycott remarked that Dillon bowled great wicket-taking deliveries, but served up too many "four balls' that made him expensive.
In his career, Dillon took 131 wickets in 38 Test matches with an average of 33.57. His ODI returns were 130 wickets from 108 matches with an economy rate of 4.61. While "Big Merv" was no rabbit with the bat, his batting was at times comical and over-ambitious. He even appeared as if he would threaten Courtney Walsh's record for highest number of "ducks" in a Test match.
Although his returns from international cricket made him an above-average cricketer, Dillon's efforts were often overlooked because he was not the strike bowler that the W.I. selectors felt that he should be. He was the strike bowler for Trinidad and performed very well in this capacity. At Test level, however, Mervyn Dillon was a stock bowler who could take wickets. Expectations of him were perhaps too high.
A comparison to one of the current crop of bowlers shows that the parlous state of West Indies cricket is due to fundamental problems and is not merely an issue of finding better bowlers than Dillon. Daren Powell- considered a strike bowler in the 2008 team- took a grand total of 73 wickets after 30 Test matches at a poor average of 47.28 (up to December 12, 2008). This would have been acceptable if Daren Powell was not a "rabbit" with the bat. Powell needed 82 balls on average to get a wicket in a Test match compared to 66.4 for Dillon.
The high-arm action of Mervyn Dillon was truly a beauty to behold. In his prime, Dillon was able to deliver genuinely quick deliveries with speeds of up to 140 km/hr. His consistency in ball placement often left a lot to be desired. However, Mervyn Dillon's West Indies career was cut short prematurely by those who felt that younger, quicker bowlers should be given a chance. The fact that these younger, quicker bowlers pale in comparison to Mervyn Dillon is an emphatic indictment of West Indies cricket.
An international comeback for Mervyn Dillon is highly unlikely at the age of 35 (in 2009). He has not retired from First-class cricket, but has stepped aside to allow younger fast bowlers to emerge from Trinidad and Tobago. Even in the twilight of his career, "Big Merv" still has many overs left in him.
Friday, March 30, 2012
vacationing in the Caribbean
Image via WikipediaThe Caribbean cuisine is a wide mix of plenty of different cultures. There is a blend of Africa, Chinese, French, British, Spanish, Indian and more cuisines all coming together in one region. Seafood is obviously one of the common and most abundant food offered in the Caribbean. Since the entire region is composed of nothing but islands, this is to be expected. Although each island may have its own special type of dish they prepare, most islands offer the same seafood fare. During your all inclusive Caribbean vacations is the time for you to eat foods that will probably fall outside your comfort zone. One of the popular foods to eat in the Caribbean is conch. Most of us have most likely never sampled this type of shellfish before. If you have yet to try this delicious dish, now is the time! Other islands may even offer sharks on their menu. The islands also offer plenty of seafood plates that you are used to seeing on the menu at home, just in case you can't step outside the box. If you have been to any type of restaurant that offers Caribbean cuisine, you are already familiar with the regions very own jerk seasoning. This seasoning is usually found in meat dishes, but mostly used with chicken. The spicy flavor is unlike any combination of seasonings found anywhere else on the globe. If you like foods a little on the spicy side, jerk seasoning is just for you. It will be sure to make your taste buds dance! Other spices that are abundant in the area are ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Another type of food that is served as a side to most main courses is rice. Different islands put their own spin on this simple, but delicious side. During your all inclusive Caribbean vacation, be sure to sample the rice that is served with sauces and beans. It is unlike any rice that you have sampled here in the States. We all plan on doing different things on our vacations, but there is one thing that we all do: eat!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Caribbean Islands of West Indies
Florida Ephemera Postcards (Photo credit: UF Digital Collections)Cruising is one of the most popular and pleasurable activity among the people of Europe and especially of Caribbean Islands. People enjoy the dazzling beauty of the beaches while traveling on a cruise. You can stay on the cruise ship for maximum 14 days at affordable rates. Millions of passengers travel on cruise ships and it has become the most important and famous part of the tourism industry. Enjoying an extensive network of Islands on a cruise ship filled with mind blowing and peaceful beauty of golden beaches and resorts gives a man the best way to relax and unwind himself. To enjoy the stunning beauty of the high Volcanoes, snowfall on the peeks and worth watching views of the sea and its shore, a Caribbean cruise takes four major routes.
The most popular cruise route among all the routes is the Eastern Caribbean cruise route. This route starts from Florida, which is a popular city of United States of America, and sails through the Key West (Tropical Islands of Bahamas), Turks, Caicos and Virgin Islands. Finally, it reaches to Puerto Rico. This route passes through the most beautiful Islands of the world. Puerto Rico is a complete package of breathtaking beauty and opportunities to pamper you. Your journey would be incomplete if you miss to visit the world's famous and beautiful Condado beach on its Island.
Second route is the Western Caribbean cruise route, which starts from the seaports of the Texas, Louisiana and Florida. The cruise ship passes through a famous country Mexico, Island of Cozumel, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and then to the beautiful coasts of Central America Honduras and Belize.
Southern Caribbean cruise route is the third route, which begins from the main port of Puerto Rico and then passing through the Lesser Antilles and Netherlands Antilles ends at the west of Aruba Island.
Exotic or long duration Caribbean cruise route is the fourth route. In this specific route, you can take any of the above-mentioned directions. It is a mixture of all the routes. You can even start your journey from where the route ended. People prefer taking this route because of the vast options of traveling.
You can select a route, which suites you and your finances. For spending the perfect holidays and enjoying the lush green beautiful sights and beaches, clean natural environment and friendly people journey on the Caribbean cruise. This will definitely fulfill your desires. Mostly routes of cruise ships return the passengers to its originating port, but some routes are longer and take several months to return on the same port. So, if you don't want to miss the charms and gems of Caribbean Islands, take an unforgettable trip on a Caribbean cruise.
