Fast-rising Guyana Jaguars all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford has highlighted that the support gathered from coaches and family members is the driving force behind the success reaped to date for his franchise in the 2017/2018 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Digicel 4-day championship.
Sherfane Rutherford has learned to mix his aggression with patience while batting
At just 19 years of age, Rutherford, in his third First-Class match, took the man-of the match award on Saturday in the Jaguars’ comfortable seven-wicket victory over Windward Volcanoes at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia.
“The hard work I do is paying off, and I must say thanks to my parents [Orin and Karen Rutherford] and my coaches who are always pushing me to strive for great things. Whenever I am playing away from home, coach [Rayon] Griffith is always talking to me and making sure I am okay and ready to perform”, the player told Guyana Times Sport from St Lucia on Sunday.
And perform he certainly did. In the Volcanoes’ first innings, he snatched 6-32 with his medium-pace, and then made 51 (his maiden First-Class half-century) from 59 deliveries, inclusive of six fours and four maximums.
“To get those six wickets, it was mainly down to a lot of patience and bowling very consistent in one area. When I got in to bat, we were in a decent position and were looking to give the opposition a challenging lead, so I decided that I am going to be aggressive, and it paid off in the end. I feel very excited to know that on the big stage I delivered for my country,” Rutherford disclosed.
The stocky player who made his debut last season against the aforementioned opposition at Providence has, since early days, created a reputation at the youth level as a batsman who showcases great flamboyance when at the crease.
However, he has learnt a mundane approach as well, and it was showcased in his first match this season against Jamaica Scorpions, with a score of 45 which spanned 150 minutes, 105 balls and six fours.
“I am developing more as I play every day. I am learning new things every day, and it is making me better. Sometimes it’s about adapting to the positions (in which) my team is placed and producing my best. I just want to help my team in every way I could: in batting, bowling, fielding; and even off the field”.
The three-time defending champions now move to St. Kitts, where they play Leeward Hurricanes from Thursday at Warner Park. Hurricanes have been the only team to defeat Jaguars twice last season, and the second team to defeat them in three seasons.
“It is just for us to continue playing the same good cricket we have been playing, and I know we will overcome them on this occasion”, the Demerara Cricket Club player contends.
