Dear Editor,
The confident Guyana Amazon Warriors skipper Nicholas Pooran humiliated the defending Caribbean Premier League Champions with an impressive win in the 2021 opening Hero Caribbean League title chase. Guyana champion batsman Shimron Hetmyer scored a solid, masterful half century to demonstrate his maturity and readiness for a successful CPL 2021 tournament.
However, it was the wise move by the skipper to promote Odean Smith as the ‘pinch ‘hitter at #3 that put Kieron Pollard’s bowlers to the sword. Smith blasted 24 runs off a mere 15 deliveries. The middle order batting was a little slow, and the two Pakistan veterans, Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez, would have to bat differently in the batting order.
The skipper is a powerful hitter of the ball, and is a competent batsman, hence it is imperative that he bats higher in the order. The Warriors should not be bothered about losing early wickets. They must look at getting close to 200 runs when batting first.
Brandon King looks like the favourite opener, and he will have to go after the bowling from the first over. While the upper and middle orders look solid and dependable, the lower order is certainly aggressive, and even with Ashmead Nedd at #10, the Warriors would war to the end.
The bowling attack is certainly capable, and will live up to a winning expectation; however, the three quick bowlers must be utilised cleverly. Against really attacking openers, it would be better to bowl the two bowlers that can bowl an immaculate line and length. Hence, Naveen-ul-Haq could open, and then bowl in the middle, while Odean Smith and Romario Shepherd seem capable of bowling to a planned field placing. The spinners would certainly be looking to the veteran Imran Tahir, who will continue to be a trump card.
The GAW must be more serious with their fielding. The fielding must send a message to the opposing batmen that the risk is greater, and batsmen must be vulnerable to the fielding.
The second match in the first day double-header was interesting. However, it was Guyanese Sherfane Rutherford who hit a solid half-century, and clever batting by St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots’ Captain Dwayne Bravo pulled them out of danger with a solid century partnership. Barbados Royals’ powerful batsmen were unable to get runs in the opening match, but they would likely do better later in the tournament.
The coaches and team leaders must look at the high amount of ‘dot’ balls. There are far too many ‘dot’ balls, the more experienced batsmen are expected to rotate the batting and take quick singles.
This ninth edition of the CPL must produce, very early in the tournament, quality batsmen and bowlers. Shimron Hetmyer is certainly leading the way, and expectations are high that he would continue to score runs consistently and heavily.
Sincerely,
Neil Kumar
