Jaguars resume training following Xmas break

Three-time defending Regional Four-Day champs, Guyana Jaguars wrapped up a successful two-day training session at the Guyana National Stadium as part of their fine-tuning ahead of the 2018 Regional Super 50 tournament.
While rain forced the cancellation of several sporting activities, including the Jaguars 50 Overs League domestic competition which was in its latter stages until rain forced a countrywide postponement; the Jags utilized most of the rainy Friday and Saturday to push in as much training as possible.
When Guyana Times Sport visited the Stadium on Saturday, Jaguars Assistant Coach/Manager Rayon Griffith said the two days were merely used to evaluate the players who had a brief time off following the break of the 2017/18 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Digicel Regional Foru-Day tournament; which concluded its first phase on December 17.
Griffith and Head Coach Esuan Crandon along with most of the Jaguars top players the caliber of; Shivnarine and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, captain Leon Johnson, Vice-Captain Vishaul Singh, Anthony Bramble, Keemo Paul, Veerasammy Permaul and others were engaged in various drills.
Catching techniques and ground fielding were heavily stressed on by the coaches who carried out overtime work by placing players in two groups; as they defied the rain at Providence to push in some much-needed training.
While rain seemed to dampen things for the cricketers who were forced to train under slight showers but remained very animated and in high spirits; as was evident from the jovial expressions during their sessions.
Griffith said he was pleased by the intensity shown by his players who were still in tip-top shape despite indulging in the perks of the Christmas season. He pointed out that it was also exceptional to see the team showing the desire to train despite the weather threatening to hamper outdoor plans.
Most of the players looked sharp and their techniques appeared tidy; traits of a team who are full of confidence after dominating the first half of the four-day tournament by winning four matches, drawing one while the other ended in a historic tie.
The former national pacer turned Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Chairman of National Selectors, confirmed that all of his players are in great physical shape and are not carrying injuries.
Meanwhile, with the Regional Super50 set for January 30 to February 21, 2018 the Jaguars 50 Overs League was used as a measuring stick for selectors to assemble the best possible side by virtue of assessing the League’s top-performers.
Although Guyana will have its quota of marquee players who are automatic selectees for the 50 Overs team, others were using the now postponed Jaguars 50 Over League as a means of placing themselves in contention for a national call-up.
However, with the indefinite cancellation of the play-offs as well as the finals due to inclement weather, the difficult task of choosing the best possible Jaguars side is now with the selection panel. They may be tempted to go with what they have seen in the early stages in their quest for their first Regional 50-overs title since 2005. (Clifton Ross)
Caption: Wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble takes a stinging catch from Coach Esuan Crandon while teammates Leon Johnson, Vishaul Singh, Keemo Paul and Chandrapaul Hemraj look on