Joel Garner was a giant of a man and one of our most famous cricketers at 6 foot 8 the West Indian bowler was the dominant force in the West Indian pace bowling attack of the 1980s. He made his debut against Pakistan in early 1977 and took 4-130 in the first innings. Against Australia in 1979-80, Garner took 4-55 in the first innings of the first test. He made another 4 wicket haul (4-36) in the first test against Zealand in the winter. In 1980 against England Garner took 4-30 in the second innings of the second test. Garner's record was again a 4 wicket haul (4-38) in the fourth test against Pakistan. His best performance against Australia in 1984-85 was 4-67 in the first innings of the second test. After a lean series against Zealand in early 1985, Garner took economical figures of 4-43 & 3-15 in the fourth test against England in early 1986.

Then 'Big Bird' as he was affectionately known took 5-51 in the first innings of the first test of his final series against Zealand in early 1987 before going out with 4-79 & 1-3 in the third test. He decided to retire at the age of 34, but 'Big bird' will be long remembered and respected through out the world and well loved in the Caribbean. Garner seen here signing the limited edition poster above that can now be bought online

JOEL GARNER has taken over as chairman of cricket selectors in Barbados, replacing Richard "Prof" Edwards in an entire panel change by the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA).

Joining Garner, fellow former West Indies players Philo Wallace and Thelston Payne, are in three of the hottest seats in local cricket.

The 52-year-old Garner, known as "Big Bird", is a fast bowling legend who took 259 wickets in 58 Tests matches. He is also a former Barbados and West Indies selector.

Appointing the new panel is one of the first moves made by the new BCA board headed by Tony Marshall. Wallace takes over as chairman of the youth selection panel.

The BCA has also named former Barbados off-spinner Lawrence Maxwell as the new manager, replacing Roland Holder, who is working in Jamaica as a senior officer

in the Cricket World Cup 2007 secretariat.

Maxwell was Barbados manager in 1995 and 1996. These decisions were made as the new board held a meeting at the BCA office on Friday night.

Anthea Ishmael, an international scorer, has been appointed to the BCA board

to fill the spot left vacant when Vernon Williams was elected honorary secretary. Ishmael is the second female on the board. The first was Pat Greenidge, who was treasurer five years ago.

The BCA has not yet selected the captain and coach for the President's Cup, which will be held in Barbados in October. SUNDAY SUN understands that Courtney Browne is expected to be retained as captain.

Sources have however suggested that coach Hendy Springer could face a challenge as some senior officials are interested in former West Indies player Vasbert Drakes.

philipspooner@nationnews.com

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