Drakes ‘excited’ to continue West Indian Bears connection

Even at just 25, Dominic Drakes' life feels full circle.

Born in Barbados, Drakes was three-years-old when his dad Vasbert embarked on his Warwickshire career in 2001. Capped that year, Vasbert would make 18 First Class and 14 List A appearances for the Bears, whilst juggling family life in the second city.

Now a leading coach in his native Barbados, it’s over to young Dominic to carry on their story.

“I’m extremely excited to be here,” said Drakes. “My dad played here, my close family friend Corey Collymore played here, Carlos played, Che Simmons, so to be a part of the Bears is wonderful.

“He always mentions the little nursery I went to behind the practice facilities. He would drop me off before practice and he made a lot of fun of it. We met up recently with Corey and they were sharing stories and the old times, so it’s nice to be here.

“There’s a strong West Indian connection and I hope I can represent them to the best of my ability.”

Edgbaston has certainly changed since 2001 and we did wonder whether that nursery could still be teaching the next Warwickshire star.

And even though Dominic couldn’t remember too much about the old pavilion, he speaks incredibly highly of the new facility having played for Yorkshire on Finals Day last year.

“I love the crowd here and there’s a fantastic vibe,” added Drakes. “It’s the sort of ground that you look forward to visiting and playing. I have some bad dreams from that Finals Day as I flew my mom and dad over and it didn’t work out.

“I’m keen to change those fortunes and remove those memories. I was playing around on Sunday, looked at my phone and I had a message saying there’s an opportunity to represent the Bears.

“When I got that call I did my research and the team looks strong. Top of the group, playing some good cricket with some big names. I’ll just try and enhance that.

“It’s all happened so quickly, but I’m ready to give my all and live up to the name.”