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Philo Wallace is calling for quick pitches at Kensington Oval this season.

The 31-year-old opening batsman, appointed Barbados captain on Tuesday night following the selection of Sherwin Campbell and Ryan Hinds for the West Indies' tour of Sharjah, does not want to encounter the type of slowish surfaces the Oval has had in recent seasons.

His comments were also made against the background that Barbados have picked three inexperienced fast bowlers in their 13-man squad for the opening match against Guyana, starting tomorrow.

We are playing at home, which is a bonus to us. We are hoping that the wicket at Kensington Oval is conducive to fast bowling, Wallace said yesterday afternoon after a practice session at Queen's Park.

We have some young, enthusiastic and exciting fast bowlers. They need help from the pitches.

In the absence of Pedro Collins and Corey Collymore, Barbados have turned to uncapped Tino Best, 20, Fidel Edwards, 19, and Antonio Thomas, 19, to form their fast bowling attack, alongside former captain Ian Bradshaw.

They, however, will not want to be confronted with slow pitches.

The ground staff are trying their best to get some quick pitches, Wallace said.

We have four games at home this season and we are hoping to get some quick pitches so the public can get to see decent cricket.

On slow pitches, the cricket is too boring. On a pitch that is evenly balanced, good for batting, good for bowling, you can get an exciting game.

The Barbados attack, which is completed by the spin pair of Sulieman Benn and Ryan Austin, is one of the most inexperienced Barbados will field in recent years.

The 27-year-old Bradshaw, with the experience of 14 first-class matches, was identified by Wallace as the main bowler in the team.

The left-armer suffered a blow to the left thumb during a practice match with the West Indies team in Trinidad last weekend, but he bowled for an hour in the nets yesterday and showed no adverse effects.

The appointment of Wallace as captain came as no surprise following the unavailability of Campbell and Hinds. Wallace is no stranger to the job, having captained Barbados in four first-class championships.

It is an honour once again to be appointed by the board to lead the team for four games, he said.

I intend to lead the team with distinction and pride.

© The Barbados Nation