Gudakesh Motie and Nial Smith have both been added to the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the 2021 season of the Caribbean Premier League, and both will bolster the bowling department.
Although these two players would be bringing contrasting styles to the table, Motie being a left arm spinner and Smith a left arm medium pacer, one thing guaranteed is that they would be taking wickets.
Nial Smith
As standouts in the Regional Super-50 2021 tournament, Motie picked up 17 wickets in 17 games, while Smith had 8 scalps in 5 matches. One gets a good feeling just to know that these two firebrands have been picked up by local franchise the Guyana Amazon Warriors.
Guyana Times Sport sat down with these homegrown talents for a brief chat, in which they shared their expectations for the Regional Franchise tournament that is just one week away.
Questioned about their reactions to being handpicked as part of the GAW 2021 outfit, it is safe to say that ‘excitement’ and ‘gratitude’ were their first emotions.
“It was a good feeling, you know! This is any youngster’s dream; you want to play for the Amazon Warriors. when I got the news, I felt glad to be part of the Amazon Warriors this year,” Nial Smith answered.
And Motie related, “Firstly, I’m thankful for the opportunity. I was really excited when I got the call from Mr Bobby. I was really excited and up for the challenge.”
The local group in the franchise were able to get their proverbial gears oiled during a practice camp last week, and for the pair that have just been inducted into the GAW family, it truly feels like home.
Gudakesh Motie
Smith shared, “So far, we’ve been around the local guys, we haven’t been around the international guys; they’ll be travelling to St. Kitts. When we get there, I’ll finally know how it feels to be around the international guys. But now it feels like family, it feels like the same Guyana Jaguars team.”
Motie concurred by saying, “It feels like home because most of the guys I grew up playing cricket with. I’m looking forward to learn as much as possible from the international players.”
Like any other player who is just now taking a step into the international world, both the spinner and pacer are looking to make their mark at the 9th edition of the Hero CPL. Eager to be handed the ball when the Warriors begin their title hunt on August 26, Motie is hoping to one- up his remarkable Super 50 spoils.
“I’m really looking forward to continue doing the same work that I did throughout the Super 50. I’m looking forward to it,” the Berbician bowler has said.
He added, “If I do get the opportunity, I’m just looking to make the most out of it and make a name for myself in CPL.”
On the same topic, Smith expressed, “I’ve only been around in the senior level maybe two to three years now. Mostly I’m looking to learn from the other guys, the senior guys.”
According to Gudakesh Motie, he won’t be fazed by the presence or absence of fans, whom CPL has promised would be at 50% capacity. Smith is similarly looking forward to the on-field action with the fans at home in mind.
“Yeah, we always want the fans to back us, but we also know that we have the crowd back home; so, we’re just looking forward to play. You just have to focus on what’s in front of you, you just can’t worry about the crowd. But we know we have fans backing us,” Smith explained.
The Hero CPL 2021 bowls off next Thursday, August 26, with a blockbuster opening game that sees the Guyana Amazon Warriors taking on old rivals the Trinbago Knight Riders. The encounter begins at 10am local time.
