Devon Cricket Board - Plymouth skipper Whittaker drops himself

Plymouth skipper Whittaker drops himself

PLYMOUTH captain Callum Whittaker has dropped himself from the 1st XI for tomorrow’s match against Sidmouth and handed the reins to Chris Barr.
Whittaker isn’t just 1st XI skipper but club captain as well – and as such felt he had to make way for the benefit of the club.
Whittaker said Plymouth have talented youngsters in the 2nd XI eager for a chance – and the last thing he wants to do is deny one of them a chance when his own form has been patchy.
“I feel that as the club captain I have a responsibility to ensure that club is not only successful in the present, but also that we are developing the next generation of first team cricketers,” said Whittaker.
“I said at the start of the season I was over the moon to pass up my place at the top of the batting order for young talented players like Ben Stein and now Jake Lufman to have the best possible chance to succeed in the first team.
“This decision is motivated by the belief that if we are to be successful as a team in years to come, our success will be built around developing players like Jake, Ben, Henry Bennett and George Stephenson.”
It is rare for a Premier captain to drop himself on form grounds, but Whittaker said it wasn’t a tough one to make.
“The decision was made easier by some outstanding performances by the rest of the team with both bat and ball over the past few weeks,” said Whittaker.
“I burst with pride that I am the captain of a club which boasts such strength that a player who has been as successful as myself over recent years does not warrant a place on current form.
“I am also fortunate we have a top captain in Chris Barr and a keeper in Jack Bryant to allow me to drop to the seconds to recapture some form to come back into the side for the business end of the season (if form allows).
“It is now up to the boys in possession of a spot in to team to make it impossible for me to come back into the side.”
Whittaker said too few teams plan ahead and often pay the penalty for short-termism.
“There have been a number of sides in recent years who have not paid enough attention to the development of young talent,” said Whittaker.
“As a result, when experienced players who carry the team move on, the younger players do not have the experience to move the team forward.”

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