Griffith calls for more consistency as Regional 4-Day looms

By Clifton Ross

Guyana Jaguars Assistant Coach, Rayon Griffith, has expressed satisfaction with the performances seen in the first of two trial matches, but has called for players to be a bit more consistent going forward, as they prepare to defend their Regional 4-Day Title.

The champs recently engaged in the first of two 3-day trial games, played at the Everest Cricket Club Ground. The players were mixed into two teams, one led by Jags skipper Leon Johnson and the other by senior middle-order batsman Vishaul Singh, as they sought to get themselves in match form with the Regional season just weeks away.
A few of the big name players, like Trevon Griffith, Robin Bacchus, Bhaskar Yadram, Ronaldo Alimohammed and Anthony Bramble, were among those who showed good batting form, with Griffith scoring a century while Bacchus, Bramble, Yadram and Alimohammed all posted scores in excess of 50.
The West Indies ‘A’ coach told Guyana Times Sport on Friday that he felt the first game was good, although he sighted a few areas where improvement is needed heading into the next game.

“I think some of the batters showed good discipline, but they will need to be more consistent going forward. I think they can improve a bit more in the batting, and show a bit more responsibility and avoid losing wickets in clusters,” he disclosed.
The bowlers have, over the years, been a key part of the Jaguars’ success, with the likes of Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Raymon Reifer, Keon Joseph and others really making up the core of senior bowlers.
With inclusion of a few youngsters the likes of Clinton Pestano, Ramaal Lewis and Gudakesh Motie — who has been a crucial part of the 4-day team even though still young, and with others, Guyana has widened its pool of bowlers for all formats.
Griffith, a former national pacer, believes the bowlers also could add a bit more stability to their skill, as they likewise flexed their muscles on a good Everest batting surface, to cause a few worries for the batsmen during the first match. “The Everest track is a good batting pitch, and I think it will just get better. The bowlers were good, but they, too, need to get more consistent, because we are not playing 50 Overs or T20 cricket, we are playing 4-Day, so everyone needs to be more consistent,” Griffith has said.
Guyana’s claim to fame — becoming champs for 4 consecutive seasons — was boosted last season by the addition of a few youngsters, the likes of Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd, among others; and most of these players have graduated to playing for the West Indies.
With Paul, Bishoo and Shimron Hetmyer on Windies duties, a number of players will be seeking to make the squad; and Griffith believes that now is the right time for them to show what they have in the trial games.
“It’s important for the young guys and beneficial for them, because everyone will be trying to get in performances from the previous game. If they (youngsters) can get in good performances, they can try and make the team either now or in the future; but at least they will be on the selector’s radar for the future,” Griffith declared.
Meanwhile, the players will, from next week Wednesday, assemble yet again for their last trail game at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.