Roberts hails Kallicharan’s 404

Minister of Sport Anil Roberts says Secondary school cricket may have found its own Brian Lara.



National Under-15 captain Kirstan Kallicharan scored an unbeaten 404 on Monday to lead Vishnu Boys to a massive victory over Valencia High School. The youngster undoubtedly earned comparisons to the West Indies legend as he guided his team to a massive 548/1 in 35 overs in the Powergen Secondary School Cricket League U-14 quarterfinal.



Kallicharan’s long knock included 44 fours and 31 sixes. In reply, Valencia was dismissed for 89 in 24 overs.



Roberts stated: “It not only takes skill and physical strength to deliver such an amazing performance, but clearly this young “phenom” has a level of mental discipline that belies his age.”



Roberts added: “The innings reminds me so much of the drive and discipline Brian Lara exhibited while he was at Fatima. I witnessed that first hand as a student and now as Minister, I see Kallicharan clearly signalling that he too, has the potential to become one of the sport’s greatest batsmen. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to young Kirstan, his parents, coaches and his school. The Sports Company and the Ministry of Sport is anxious to see his continued progress and contributions to the gentlemen’s game for school and country.”



Interviewed yesterday, one of Kallicharan’s coaches at Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC), David Furlonge, said he saw the talent in the young man from day one. “We saw the talent from young and he has the ability to make big runs.”



Furlonge said Kallicharan, who has been playing for QPCC since he was 10, is driven to succeed. “He has the love for the game, he just loves to play cricket.”



The Queen’s Park coach added that Kirstan, now 14, is a disciplined and hardworking young man.

Fourteen-year-old Kirstan Kallicharan has also broken Brian Lara's high school record.

Kirstan, turning out for the Vishnu Boys Hindu College in a Secondary Schools Cricket League U-14 quarterfinal against Valencia High School, clobbered 44 fours and 31 sixes. He scored his century off just 35 balls. The Hindu College Boys won by 459 runs after Valencia, with no stomach for a fight, were shot out for a paltry 89 in the 24th over.