…as National T20 squad depart for Antigua
By Akeem Greene
Head Coach of the National Cricket Team Esuan Crandon is hopeful that his troops will leave an impressionable mark when they compete in the Antigua & Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA) Independence Tri-nation Twenty20 Tournament from October 6 to 14.
“I have not seen who are in the other teams but I expect it to be keenly contested and it is important that we represent ourselves. It’s important [for each] player [to] go and make a name for themselves. You never know who will be in the stands watching,” Crandon told Guyana Times Sport on the eve of today’s departure for Antigua.
Though the coach admitted there are still many unknowns in the other two participating teams- Antigua and Jamaica- the main aim is to play competitive cricket when they play their first match against the Jamaicans on Saturday at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground from 18:00h.
“It is important we play competitive cricket and be professional and don’t relax. We need stamp our authority and win the tournament,” the former National player explained.
Over the past weeks, the squad has been undergoing rigorous fitness exercises aimed at helping the players perform at their optimum in the expected fast-paced environments.
“The guys are doing well on their fitness, it is constantly improving. We are focusing on our technical aspect. We have had some good sessions improving our T20 approach. It is a more intense game and players need to concentrate and be focused.”
He added, “We have some players who recently played in the Caribbean Premier League which makes it a good bunch of players given that the experienced players can guide the younger ones who are new to this level.”
Based on the composition of the local squad with one outright-opener in Robin Bacchus when asked who his partner is likely to be, Crandon reasoned that there are suitable options.
“With the calibre of players we have at our disposal whatever we put on the field; it will be a good balance. We have one specialist opener; we have two other guys who might partner with Robin [Bacchus]. We also have a very good middle and lower-order. Essentially, it is a good composition of players”.
Laying the foundation
Another Regional Super50 beckons and Guyana, through their franchise team, Guyana Jaguars, will be on the hunt, aiming to add this title, which has eluded them since 2005, to their collection.
Chairman of Selectors Rayon Griffith had recently told this publication that there is a high possibility of major changes in this regard.
Crandon shared a similar sentiment, contending that impressive performances will go a long in helping these players be selected for other national limited over teams.
“This tournament also gives us the opportunity to look at some other youngsters in the team who have been on the radar to represent us in 50-over cricket. This is a chance for them to showcase their talent. It as a stepping-stone to show they are able to perform at this level which means we can have a really good 50-over team.”
The Guyana squad selected is as follows: Robin Bacchus, Gajanand Singh, Leon Johnson (captain), Chandrapaul Hemraj, Jonathan Foo, Anthony Bramble, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Veerasammy Permaul (vice-captain), Steven Jacobs, Ronsford Beaton, Romario Shepherd, Ricardo Adams, Christopher Barnwell and Ramaal Lewis.
Head Coach Esuan Crandon, Assistant Coach/Manager Rayon Griffith.
