BASSETERRE, St. Kitts- TWENTY-ONE-YEAR OLD all-rounder, Larry Audain of Cayon, left a mark on English soil with some outstanding performances with both bat and ball, while he was on tour with the Fire and Rescue Cricket Team which visited England from August 19 – September 2, 2014.
Playing against varying clubs from that country, Audain showed his hunger for runs throughout the tour as he accumulated 263 from just four innings with an eye-opening average of 131.50.
His amazing run haul includes his first-ever century in the second game that they played finishing unbeaten on 120. He followed up that score with back-to-back half centuries playing against Dunnington (54) and then the Caribbean Cricket Club (84 not out).
He was also instrumental with the ball, picking up nine wickets from four matches. With his best match haul being three wickets for 14 runs from five overs.
In an interview with this publication, Audain gave his thoughts on his performance on English soil.
“I feel great about my performances. Bearing in mind we don't play much cricket here and for me to go to England and perform so well, it has shown my true potential as a cricketer.”
He also explained what accounted for his standout performances.
“I simply stick to the basics for long periods of time which assist me in accumulating my runs. Conditions were a lot tougher but I manage to acclimatize to the weather and playing conditions quite quickly.”
Audain started playing cricket at a very tender age and his liking for the game seems to never stop. His talents was first spotted by his teacher/coach during a lunch hour in which he batted for a long period and none of his colleagues was able to dislodge him from that session.
He was told then to walk with his cricket clothes the next day as he was selected to be part of the Cayon Primary School Cricket Team.
Since then, he has represented St. Kitts at U-13, U-15, U-17 and U-19 levels and now is a regular member of the senior national side.
He also played for the Leeward Island U-17 and U-19 in 2008 and 2011 respectively.
Audain was asked where he sees himself five years from now and said he was eyeing playing at the international level.
“With the grace of God anything is possible so I’ll just keep trying hard and with the self-confidence and hunger I have for success, hopefully I do make it to the top”.
The cricketer listed for SKNVibes those individuals whom he has counted as his role models.
“As a cricketer, I enjoyed watching Sachin Tendulkar bat as he has a high desire for runs, Shivnarine Chanderpaul for his stubbornness and high level of concentrating to bat for long periods and AB de Villiers for his positives and determination every time he bats.”
Audain also outlined his biggest achievements as a cricketer.
“I have quite a few but the one that really stands out is my performances for the Basseterre Zone team during the 2013 Premier League tournament last year in which I scored 59 not out and got 4-11 to help my team to win to league. I was also named player of the finals.
The aspiring international cricketer acknowledged a few individuals who assisted him in his career.
”I’d like to thank Jacques Taylor for believing in me as a cricketer especially when we’re batting together as he usually tells me to trust my instincts and be confident. Also taking time out at afternoons to come up at the Edgar Gilbert Sporting Complex and share his expertise with me.
“Special thanks must also go to Noel Guishard for bringing me through the youth levels, calling me out to play cricket for his club on the weekends even if it’s just to field, that was something I really enjoyed. Maybe that’s why I’m like Jonty Rodes in the field now Hahaha. I’m now a proud member of the Molineaux Cricket Club.”
