Cricket lovers enjoy soca, dancehall music

Roxroy McLean, Star Intern

The second day of the first Digicel Test match between West Indies and England at Sabina Park in Kingston ended favourable for the Caribbean men, as they sought to strike first in the four-match Test series.

However, on the Mound where the visiting English fans were settled, the excitement was never-ending. The English supporters beamed with enthusiasm and made their voices heard as they enjoyed the warmth of the tropical climate.

Marcus Bicknell, a family doctor for the last 20 years, was the one leading all the cheers, his chest tattooed with the face of reggae icon Bob Marley.

Before even answering, Bicknell quickly said "Let me give you a story.

"I am from Nottingham in England and I absolutely love the atmosphere out here in Jamaica. It's tremendous, the weather, the amazing people, the cricket, and yes, the Red Stripe," Bicknell outlined.

Bicknell, who was on his second visit to the country, described the country as "the heart of West Indian islands." It was his first time in Kingston and he was certainly making the most of it.

"I didn't come to Kingston my first time, I went to Negril. Trust me, the culture is fabulous. I have heard so much about Kingston. Let me tell you, this country is the heart of the West Indies," said Bicknell.

stylish dance

Bicknell, who works at Beechdale Surgery, located at 439 Beechdale Road, Aspley, Nottingham, and who is vice-chair of RCGP Secure Environments Working Group, says he is a big fan of Bob Marley.

"He's amazing. I drive around England in my van playing Bob's music. I think he gives the whole Caribbean and the world the vibes to reggae music," he said.

In between overs, the Mound would erupt, as the visitors, who at times lacked the ability to pull off the more stylish dance moves, were not to be left out.

A string of soca hits sent the vibes to fever-pitch level during the tea break, with the beautiful Red Stripe and Jamaica Biscuits girls making the party scene even more interesting. The vibe on the mound grew rapidly as the day progressed.

When Monty Panesar bowled three good delivers to the West Indian right-arm batsman Ramneresh Sarwan, it prompted the English to cheer "Oh Monty, Monty, Monty Panesar!"

Bicknell, who joked with one of the Red Stripe girls "Come home with me", said his best patients are Jamaicans.

"The special thing is about my Jamaican patients ... they are tremendous and I am glad to be looking after them in England," he said.