– Selector Sarwan hints at major changes in Guyana’s senior set-up
– Crandon, Hercules assigned to senior coaching, Moore is Female Coach
By Brandon Corlette
The Bissoondyal Singh-led Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has hosted its first press conference and made a host of announcements. Among those announcements made was a name change to the franchise, from Guyana Jaguars to Guyana Amazon Jaguars (GAJ).
Ryan Hercules
Former West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, who is performing the role of the GAJ Senior Selector, said the GCB would have major changes in the four-day team. Some of the changes he hinted at are new upcoming players getting the opportunity, the GCB implementing a higher minimum fitness standard of level 45 in the yoyo test, and a new captain for the Jaguars being groomed.
The Jaguars are expected to play the Regional 4-Day tournament in February 2022. Sarwan, who is currently overseas, appeared virtually and made this disclosure among other announcements at the GCB press conference on Saturday at the Grand Coastal Inn.
Responding to a question from this daily publication, Sarwan disclosed that his selection panel has its eyes on young trio Matthew Nandu, Tevin Imlach and Kevlon Anderson, who are expected to get more opportunities to represent Guyana.
Esuan Crandon
“The young Nandu is one for us to look at, maybe someone we can have in the squad. The young guy from Berbice, Kevlon Anderson, has done extremely well. We are also looking at young Imlach, who is a very interesting cricketer, a good wicketkeeper who can bat at the top and the middle,” Sarwan responded.
GCB President Singh also highlighted the developmental plans for cricket in Guyana. He noted that 32 academy players would be awarded contracts shortly. Singh also noted that the GCB is working to ensure cricket personnel are paid in a timely manner.
It was officially announced that Esuan Crandon would continue to serve as the Senior Mmen’s Head Coach and Ryan Hercules as the Assistant Coach. Julian Moore was announced as the Female Head Coach.
Some of the members of the Guyana Cricket Board
Meanwhile, technocrat member Anil Beharry also indicated that major work is expected to be commenced at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) facility, which he hopes would one day compete with the Guyana National Stadium to host first-class matches.
Beharry also disclosed that electrical works have commenced at LBI, and that cost is estimated at Gy$2 million, and a major overhaul of the plumbing is expected.
“For the last eight months, we were able to do some corrective work, but not to the magnitude of the desired standard. We did some rolling of the ground, added some dirt and planted some grass. We at the GCB will continue to work, and we engaged the Minister of Agriculture to seek assistance. For us to reach the desired standard, there are a few things we need to act on in the near future. The outfield has too much sand, resulting in the lack of growth of grass,” Beharry added.
