Self belief, perseverance key to Dowlin's success
• DCC batsman, one of four Guyanese in CWC Windies squad
By Sean Devers
Kaieteur News
January 21, 2007
Less than two years after being dropped from the Guyana team, middle order batsman Travis Dowlin, who turns 30 next month, is among four Guyanese selected in the West Indies 30-man squad to prepare for the 2007 Cricket World Cup to be hosted by the Caribbean.
Overlooked for the 2005 regional season, the dashing right-hander returned to the team with a solid 2006 season (327 runs Ave 54. 50) including his third first-class century; an unbeaten 123 against the Leeward Islands in St. Marteen.
An attractive 75 in the last of his three one-day games for the West Indies ‘A' team in the 2006 home series against Sri Lanka remains his highest score from 21 ‘List A' one-dayers, while the accomplished right-hander scored the most runs in the Stanford 20/20 competition including a man-of-the-match half-century in the final to help Guyana clinch the US$1 million first prize..
Dowlin's career is back on track and his responsible undefeated 63 against Trinidad and Tobago in the Carib Beer second round battle helped Guyana hold on for points and emphasized his consistency.
The affable young man explained to Kaieteur Sports just before leaving for Guyana's third round games in Jamaica that he is now a more settled and mature person and credits his West Indies World Cup call-up to his improved mental preparation more than anything else. “As you grow older you understand yourself and life, you understand how to handle failure. When you are young you think it's the end of the world if you fail in one innings. Now I understand that every batsman must fail at some time and I try to learn from my mistakes,” Dowlin explained.
Dowlin stressed that as you get older it is more important for you to train hard during the off season to maintain your fitness level. Dowlin, who made his first-class debut in 1997 and has played 53 matches at this level, informed that he was not surprised to be named in the 30-man squad for the World Cup and feels that he is aiming for some solid performances for the remainder of the regional season to try and force his way into the final World Cup squad.
“It is every cricketer's dream to play in a World Cup and over the last year I have been performing well. I am now at ease with myself, enjoying a great family life, happy with no pressure and I still love and enjoy playing the game,” Dowlin said. “When I was dropped from the Guyana side in 2005 I was there at Bourda supporting the team and even though I never thought so far ahead as the World Cup, I knew that with hard work, I would play for Guyana again,” Dowlin disclosed.
He said that being dropped from the team motivated him to work harder since he felt he still had a lot to offer Guyana's cricket. The exciting stroke player, who represents club side Alescon's Comets in Trinidad, stated that he will be back with that club again even if he makes the World Cup side.
“I was named Comets cricketer of year and I have received tremendous support from the club members there. Darren Ganga, Ryad Emrit, Dinanauth Ramnarine and Guyanese Rayon Griffith are among those who play for Comets,” Dowlin said.
He thanked God, his friends, club mates, his wife Gail and three children for all the success he has enjoyed. His childhood dream of playing in a World Cup is within touching distance but for now his focus is on trying to help defending champions Guyana to the final four of the KFC Cup competition in St Vincent and the Carib Beer Cup final in Trinidad.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Narsingh Deonarine are the other Guyanese in the West Indies 30-member training squad.