Globetrotter - Former Jamaica batsman gaining coaching experience on the world stage

Former Jamaica and Windies opening batsman Brenton Parchment can be described as the quintessential nomadic cricketer who has been travelling and playing the game in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and now Holland.

The 37-year-old St Elizabeth native is playing and coaching in the Netherlands with the Rotterdam-based Excelsior 20 Cricket Club, after which he will move down under to Australia to fulfil another contract with Victorian-based club Doutta Stars.

Parchment says he is enjoying the opportunity of travelling and playing all over the world.

“I am enjoying every minute of these experiences,” he told The Sunday Gleaner. “I am still making runs and taking wickets, however, I am focusing on gaining more coaching experience as I would love to take up a full-time job in the Caribbean once the opportunity arises.”

Parchment, who holds a Cricket Australia Level Three coaching certificate, recently applied for the coaching position with the Windward Islands Volcanoes, however, he was unsuccessful in landing the job.

RIGHT OPPORTUNITY

The stylish right-hander, who has over 3,000 runs for Jamaica in 67 first-class matches, says he will continue to gain the experience overseas, and, hopefully, the right opportunity will come one day.

“Even though I would love to coach in the Caribbean, if the opportunity comes for me to take up a job here in Europe, or even Australia, I will take it. I recently got to work with the Dutch National men’s cricket team in the United Arab Emirates, and that experience was invaluable.”

While admitting that playing and coaching on the international stage is difficult, Parchment is encouraging past players to seek opportunities outside of the region.

“I know there are not many coaching opportunities in the Caribbean, but places like the Netherlands, Italy, and Japan are welcoming coaches,” he said. “Those places are taking cricket very seriously, and once you have the drive and hunger and are passionate about the game, doors can open up for you.”

Parchment played two Tests, seven One-Day Internationals and one Twenty20 International for the Windies.