Jaguars, Pride lock horns in tomorrow’s top-of-table clash

By Brandon Corlette

The Guyana Jaguars departed Guyana on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 for their third-round clash against the Barbados Pride. In the much-anticipated encounter, between arguably the best two teams in the Region, the Kensington Oval will come alive on Friday, January 4, 2019.
The Guyana Jaguars registered two resounding victories in the first two rounds: a nine-wicket win against the Leeward Hurricanes and a 125-run win against the

Windward Volcanoes.
Meanwhile, the Barbados Pride registered a dramatic 41-run win against Jamaica Scorpions and lost to Leeward Hurricanes by 34 runs.
The dynamics of both teams are set to change, with West Indies players returning for the third-round clash. Guyana Jaguars have welcomed Windies trio Sherfane Rutherford, Raymon Reifer and Chanderpaul Hemraj. Barbados Pride look a formidable unit heading into the third round, as West Indies highest-ranked ODI batsman and Test player, Shai Hope will return. Other notable players that may feature in the formidable Pride unit are Test opener Kraigg Brathwaite, T20 International skipper Carlos Brathwaite, Roston Chase, and fast bowler Kemar Roach.
Barbados Pride’s first win of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Four-Day Tournament saw Test spinner Jomel Warrican snaring 12 wickets in a match-winning performance. Pride batsmen will be looking to redeem themselves against the dominant Guyana Jaguars unit. Pride had scores of 167 and 187 in their victory against the Jamaica Scorpions. Jonathan Carter, who has been the most promising Pride batsman this season with 142 runs, will be seeking to capitalise after scoring two half-centuries in as many matches.
Miguel Cummings is the leading fast bowler after the first two rounds of the Regional Four-Day Tournament with nine wickets and his best bowling figures being 4-19. The Barbados Pride newcomer, Hayden Walsh has also showed promise picking up a five-wicket haul in the first round. The Barbados team that

showed holes in their batting will be mended by the likes of Hope and Kraigg Brathwaite, while Kemar Roach will complete the strong bowling opposition.
The Guyana Jaguars will not be intimidated by this opposition; the team coached by Esuan Crandon will be seeking to extend their dominance in Regional Four-Day cricket. On the Kensington pitch that is bound to support fast bowlers and offer little support to spinners, the Jaguars outfit is well-equipped with the necessary variety to extend their unbeaten run.
The Jaguars may be forced to change their winning combination from the second round.
A team that consist of numerous all-rounders may force a seasoned player to relinquish his place in the starting XI for a Windies player. This third round will be of great importance to all the players in the various teams, with the England Test series sharply approaching.
The Test squad that had a miserable season overseas in 2018 may see new players gain selection for the England Test series. In addition to the Test series against England, a President’s XI team will be selected to play the Englishmen in the warm-up match scheduled for January 18, 2019. The Barbados Pride versus Guyana Jaguars match is scheduled for a 10:00h start, Eastern Caribbean time.