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There is one cricketer in South Africa who thinks he knows the answer to some of the West Indies' problems. As the West Indies seek bowlers who can bat, H.D. Ackerman, skipper of the South Africa 'A' team, believes the West Indies has the answer right at their doorstep and are not using that option Vasbert Drakes.

The West Indies need Vasbert Drakes. There's no doubt it, said Ackerman. He's a quality fast bowler and has done the business week in and week out in South Africa.

He gets the ball in the right places and knows all about maintaining pressure. Not picking him is the single biggest mistake made by the Windies selectors.

Ackerman said it is West Indies selectors' folly in ignoring the Barbadian fast bowling allrounder. Drakes, who played five One-Day Internationals in 1995 and was one of South Africa's five players of the year in 2000, plays professionally for Border in the South African SuperSport competition.

West Indies Cricket Board eligibility rules state that players must be available for the regional season to be selected for international cricket.

Mike Findlay, West Indies chairman of selectors, said earlier this week there was concern with Windies batting and the bowlers now have to learn to bat and vice-versa.

Drakes had another outstanding season in South Africa doing well with both bat and ball. He was the second highest wicket-taker with 39 wickets (average 22.89) in eight matches, with a best of 5/80.

The leading bowlers were Garth Roe of NorthWest and Deon Kruis of Griqualand West who both took 40 wickets. Drakes, who has a highest first class score of 180 not out for Barbados, made 325 runs in 14 innings, with a topscore of 80.

© The Barbados Nation