Romain Etwaroo-Professionalism Personified

No one who grew up in the Caribbean in the 70's and 80's will ever forget the Etwaroo brothers from Port Mourant. Not only for the reason that they are the nephews of the legendary and revered Rohan Kanhai, the original master blaster and sublime stroke player, but for the other reason, to borrow a phrase from C.L.R. James, that many were hoping that they could continue the Kanhai legacy of inspiring others to take the game to regions never thought to exist.

It seemed then only a matter of time before they played test cricket for the West Indies- a real achievement in those days, when standards and professionalism were at their peak. Romain, Reginald, Randolph and Tyrone each had a special touch of class about their cricket, and were a household name throughout the West Indies. Romain had developed one of the finest techniques in batting in the region, Reggie was rated a fielder par excellence, Randolph was gifted, and Tyrone evoked many memories of his uncle Rohan's precision footwork and exciting hawk eye showmanship that became his hallmark.

It was Romain who inspired his younger brothers, and many generations of cricketers after him. He lost his best years to study when he left Guyana on a scholarship at the age of 20 to study at Southern Illinois University, graduating with a baccalaureate in Biology. He never saw a bat or a ball for 3 years. When he returned, Fredericks, Baichan and Greenidge had firmly entrenched themselves ahead of him in the selectors’ eyes. He reminisces how his uncle Rohan advised him to take the scholarship, rather than play club cricket in England, because “when you are the wicket, I cannot be there with you, and it is you and God alone.” Uncle Rohan, though fortified with genius, well knew how glorious the uncertainties and misfortunes of cricket were, as well as the poor pay cricketers were subjected to, well in contrast to today’s bonanzas, and wanted the best for his nephew.

Romain allied his love for the game with his teaching profession, and slammed a glorious 302 in the Davson Cup for Port Mourant versus Skeldon in 1973, which is a local record. But he rates his 118 for Guyana against Barbados, a contest then dubbed the mini test, when he put Vanburn Holder, Collis King, David Holford, Gregory Armstrong and Albert Padmore to the sword, as his best effort.

He will be best remembered as a solid and complete batsman, smooth as silk in his stroke play, but resolute and firm in defense. He eschewed the dashing cavalier approach of his more famous uncle, but he would have been a blessing to any West Indian test side with his run making ability. This is reflected in the fact that he scored 3 first class centuries and can boast of an impressive first class average of almost 40 runs per innings. In domestic cricket in Guyana, Romain put together some Bradmanesque scores, and was often the player who outshone all others with some splendid batting feats, which still remain domestic records in Guyana today. Despite the fact that he never played test cricket for Guyana, Romain will always be in contention for a pick in a Berbice All Time eleven.

Molded more like Geoff Boycott and Glenn Turner, he could wear down any attack, batting purposefully and clinically, a rare gift these days. Romain set high standards of professionalism in his days, and inspired many to be serious about what they did in the cricket field, and in life itself. In another era, where the constellation of stars did not preclude entry, Romain would have been the first pick for the West Indies in opening the batting, and he almost was, if bad luck had not befallen him. Roy Fredericks, who later cemented his place in the West Indies side, made his cricket debut for Guyana in the Shell Shield in the mid 60's, when he was unexpectedly asked to step in for the regular opener Stephen Camacho, after Romain Etwaroo, who was not selected, but who was next in line, had returned home on the eve of the match. Freddo, a fearless batsman, quickly established himself with a fighting half century, and in two years he was touring with the West Indies. Many questions will remain unanswered, and speculation rife, as to what may have happened, if fate had not cruelly impeded Romain's entry into the test team. Suffice it to say, Romain will be also be remembered as the best batsman not to play test cricket for the West Indies.

Romain's consistency in the Shell Shield raises serious questions as to whether the selectors should have been convinced to select him to play in tests. Others maintain that he was a victim of biased selectorial policies, and that he should have been given a chance to play test matches-a view few will quarrel with.

Captain of vintage Berbice sides for 8 years, he motivated and developed younger players for the bigger arenas. Amarnath Ramcharitar summed it up best when he said, "Romain knew the game inside out. He was always thinking on a cricket field. He always played for his country first, and was well respected for his ability, approach and knowledge of the game. We always looked up to him."