Imlach eager to convert starts in 2023 West Indies Championships

By Brandon Corlette

Guyana Harpy Eagles wicketkeeper-batsman Tevin Imlach is eager to convert half-centuries into his maiden first-class century in the 2023 West Indies Championships, which will commence on February 1 in Antigua.
Although the 26-year-old Imlach played only three matches in the 2022 season, he made an impact in scoring 215 runs at an average of 53.75, including three half-centuries, with a career best 79. In an exclusive interview with this daily publication, Imlach said he developed a method last season, and will build thereon.

“Getting an opportunity last year, getting a start against Barbados, you always speak of getting a monkey off your back, which is that first score; and I managed to get that against Barbados, and I managed to build on that. I developed a method that I feel worked pretty well for me. Hopefully, this year I will use that method again, and get more success,” Imlach explained.
The versatile right-hander, who was the West Indies U-19 wicketkeeper-batsman in the Championship-winning team in 2016, said he is willing to bat at the top of the order, once he is not keeping wicket.
“It all depends; if you are keeping, probably not opening. Around three or four, but generally, if I am not keeping, I don’t mind opening or coming three,” Imlach disclosed.

Last season, Imlach failed to convert one of his three half-centuries into a century. This time around, the fit and focused cricketer has said he would learn from his mistakes.
“I am aware of the mistakes I have made the last time around, and I have a method now and I understand how to go about getting there. I have not gotten there, but I know the mistake I have made, and I can learn from it moving forward,” Imlach said.
With Shimron Hetmyer, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Romario Shepherd, Keemo Paul and Sherfane Rutherford being absent from the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad, Imlach has said he has always seen himself as a leader. Once the opportunity arises, Imlach has said, he is ready to take up the mantle.
“Yes, I always see myself as a leader. It is very important as a player that you have that understanding and that belief in yourself, not only to look after your own game, but having a good understanding of the game (in order) to be able to help the team in whatever way you can,” he said.
The weather has been an issue for the Guyana Harpy Eagles’ preparation, but Imlach has been putting in the hard yards of work.
“I have been doing a lot of gym work. Physically, I think I am in a good place. I have been doing a lot of batting at my cricket club, the Demerara Cricket Club, so I am in a good place. I have a clear understanding (of) how I will go about scoring runs, and the keeping as well, I have been doing a lot of work,” Imlach added.
After seven first-class matches, Imlach has 282 runs at an average of 31.33. He has also shown promise and solidity in the 50-over format, with 536 runs in 19 matches at an average of 33. Given the promise shown, and his high level of discipline and fitness, Imlach is certainly one for the future.
He has also had the opportunity to play for West Indies ‘A’ team, and he was included in the West Indies wicket-keeper camps in 2022.