– Left-arm spinner looking to break into Jaguars 50 over team
By Clifton Ross
Essequibo Captain Anthony Adams said there’s no room for mistakes in the Jaguars 50 Overs tournament, adding that his team is looking to add the limited overs title to their collection.
Anthony Adams says his team has what it take to win the Jaguars 50 over title
Adams, the left-arm spinner and Guyana Jaguars player led his team to their maiden domestic title almost two months ago when they ran roughshod over the competition to capture the Jaguars 3-day league title.
It was the county’s first major title and their captain believes that his unit has what it takes to repeat similar performances in the shorter format; it was shown when they easily disposed of West Berbice in Tuesday’s opening round.
“I think the way we played the game (round one); we have good momentum going into the next game against Georgetown. I think it was a good start, it wasn’t a tight game and we weren’t under pressure but of course the competition will get more tough and we have to be prepared to work hard,” said the Captain.
Speaking about Essequibo’s transition from a 3-Day powerhouse to a potentially dangerous 50 over unit, Adams said the process wasn’t too difficult given the caliber of players in the squad; coupled with their form from the previous tournament.
“It’s not much of a transition for us, the 3-Day team that won the tournament, most of the guys are playing and we’re more suited for one day cricket. It shouldn’t be any changes, the batting and bowling is the same so there isn’t any much change for us,” he added.
The success Essequibo achieved during the 3-Day League resulted in a more confident, dangerous team which apart from veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, features talents like; Ricardo Adams, Kemol Savory, Keemo Paul, Kevon Boodie and others who have been instrumental in the team’s success.
Adams pointed out that it’s essential for his teammates to stick to the fundamentals throughout the 50-over competition. “Of course in the shorter format as a batter it calls for more risk but 50 overs is also a lot of time to catch up if you’re behind. The important thing for us is rotating strikes when batting and maintaining partnerships while in the bowling department, there’s no room for error you have to be as economical and bowl at your best to contain the batsmen and that something we will be focusing on,” declared Adams.
The MVP with close to 60 wickets in the 3-day league, Adams has been a key member for Essequibo for close to a decade and he admitted that while he has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, he’s more than ever focused on carrying out his duties.
“My performances in the 3-Day is what help get us the tournament win and also helped us win a lot of games, so it’s important that I continue bowling well and supporting with the bat. Of course we’ll be full strength with Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Keemo Paul back in the squad and that’s a boost for us,” said the left-arm spinner.
Concluding his interview with <<<Guyana Times Sport >>>, Adams who played one 4-Day match for Guyana Jaguars last season, is backing himself to keep doing well and hopefully cements a spot in either or both 50-over or 4-day teams.
“In the longer format, I see myself as someone who can be consistent for a long period and in the short format I’m a bowler who can contain batsmen so I think I’m suited for both formats and my goal is to hopefully play both 50 over and 4-day cricket for Guyana,” he ended.
Essequibo will lock horns with Georgetown at the Everest Ground when round two of the 50 Over League continues today.
