Ruel Brathwaite is a tall, talented and tenacious fast bowler who has the determination to succeed that is so often lacking in the new generation of Caribbean cricketers. He hails from Barbados where he has represented the island at Under-15 and Under-19 levels and played one game for the full side against the West Indies at the age of 20.

He was spotted by the former Sussex and England batsman Bill Athey who brought him over to the UK to study at Dulwich and has since gone on to Loughborough where he is working with former England bowling coach Graham Dilley. Dilley has described him as "something of a cult hero on campus" and "one of the nicest men you could meet". More importantly, his natural ability has impressed and his opening spells contributed much to Loughborough winning the British Universities Championship in 2007 and last season he took 3 for 68 for the Combined Universities side against the touring Sri Lankans. His bowling may be his chief asset but a highest first-class score of 76* suggests he has some ability with the bat, too.

During the summer of 2007 he netted with the West Indies during their tour of England and played for Surrey second XI, he has also played at second-team level for Leicestershire. Among his victims are Marcus Trescothick, Graeme Hick and Mahela Jayawardena and he has done enough to grab the attention of several counties. However, he is dedicated to the West Indies cause and recently vowed that he would return to Barbados after completing his studies, much to the relief of the Barbados Cricket Association.
Alan Curr June 2007

• West Indies call in seven back-up players (Jun 20, 2007)
  
• Ramdin ton provides more cheer (Jun 3, 2007)
  
• Sri Lanka indebted to Tharanga (Apr 24, 2006)

Sep 11, 2007 Simon Renshaw cleans up Ruel Brathwaite © Martin Williamson

Jun 20, 2007 Ruel Brathwaite © Marylebone Cricket Club

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