Brewing with confidence and high expectations, Windies under-19 wicketkeeper batsman Joshua Persaud departed these shores on Wednesday afternoon to meet the regional youth team in New Zealand for ICC Youth 50-over World Cup.
His fellow countrymen left since December 28 for their preparatory camp in New Zealand but the player’s departure was delayed for what is understood to be VISA issues.
Joshua Persaud at the departure area of the Eugene F Correia International Airport
When Guyana Times Sport spoke to the player at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, he placed the disappointment behind and conveyed his readiness for the title defence.
While not giving any specific details on why his departure was delayed, he stated, “I was a bit disappointed not getting to initially travel with the rest of my team since I knew being a part of the camp in New Zealand would have been great in helping me acclimatise but I am still happy be heading off now and joining the team. I am confident I can make a positive impact when given the opportunity.”
Aside from the camp, Windies would have played one warm-up match against Papua New Guinea which they won comfortably by seven wickets while the other scheduled for Tuesday against Zimbabwe was washed out.
They will now open their campaign against hosts, New Zealand on Saturday while four days later they face South Africa then Kenya on January 20 for their final group match.
The 17 year-old has to endure overnight stays in Barbados and Dubai before reaching New Zealand until Saturday morning which likely rules him out of the opener.
“I have a rigorous travel schedule ahead of me which usually takes a toll on the body but I tried to stay fit while still in Guyana, doing the necessary gym work. I kept in contact with my teammates so I always knew what were the team plans heading into the tournament. I am confident I can hit the ground running if called upon,” the player explained.
With the boyhood dream now being fulfilled, the elegant right-handed batsman said the nerves are creeping in but he plans on remaining focus and sticking to the basics which has brought him success over the years.
Quizzed on whether he thinks the region has what it takes to stage a momentous title defence, he responded confidently in the affirmative.
“Yes I fully believe we can win the title again. We have been training very hard for an extended period. We know each other’s weakness and strengths and with the advice coach Graeme West has been giving we can do it. It is important we remain calm and have match awareness. Sticking to the basics will help us reach the final.”
The Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) club player will join fellow countrymen Ashmead Nedd, Raymond Perez, Ronaldo Alimohamed and Bhaskar Yadram at the World Cup.
The rest of the squad comprises of Emmanuel Stewart – Captain (Windward Islands- Grenada), Kirstan Kallicharan – Vice Captain (Trinidad & Tobago), Alick Athanaze- (Windward Islands- Dominica), Cephas Cooper- (Trinidad & Tobago), Jarion Hoyte- (Barbados), Kimani Melius- (Windward Islands- St. Lucia), Kian Pemberton- (Leeward Islands- St.Kitts & Nevis), Jeavor Royal- (Jamaica), Keagan Simmons- (Trinidad & Tobago) and Nyeem Young- (Barbados).
