‘No void’ in GHE team in absence of senior players

The West Indies 4- Day Championships will bowl off on Wednesday, January 29 and as defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) embark on Round one of the competition, there will be lots for the selectors to consider, as the team misses out on the services of a few of their more experienced plyers; at least for the first round owing to the West Indies vs Pakistan Test series.

2024’s Championship winning captain Tevin Imlach alongside spinners Gudakesh Motie and Kevin Sinclair will only be a few of the faces missing from the GHE setup.

However, this is not much of a concern for Head Coach Ryan Hercules who is confident that they will be able to fill those spots in the team.

Hercules divulged, “There’s a few guys whose name will be up so I say to them ‘when you get the opportunity make the best of it. Yes, there’s guys that’s going to be away, going to be for all the team’s as well. So, we just make the best of what we have, let them come into the franchise, play good cricket, whoever get the opportunity to be a part of the team while those senior guys away. So it’s simply just being here, understanding the brand of cricket we play as a franchise and making the best use of the opportunity.”

Further, Hercules is of the opinion that there will be no void left in the team due to the trio’s and other big stars’ absence.

“Obviously senior guys missing from the team, yes, it’s a big loss. Nevertheless, we have guys that we’ve been working with over the past few months to take up these roles. If these guys get called- up for west Indies duty, someone needs to step up and take that part,” the Head Coach explained.

He went on to emphasize, “So, there’s a few young players who we already identified who can be in that position. So, it’s not missing or a void, just for these guys to take the opportunity and grab it with both hands.”

Another role that will need filling is that of Captain. With Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kemol Savory and Nial Smith all wearing the cap in practice matches so far, Hercules opined that it is the perfect opportunity for these players to show their capabilities.

“Conversation with those two guys in terms of leadership, with Savory now being a Captain for one of the practice games with Tage as well. So, the leadership role and responsibility for them as cricketers; I think they’re too good, experienced guys who’ve been around the set- up for quite some time and I think it’s a perfect opportunity for them to go out there and showcase that talent, as leaders as well in the group,” Hercules responded to inquiries regarding GHE’s Captain for the first round.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles will take on Barbados Pride in the first round of the West Indies Championships, followed by Combined Campuses and Colleges in Round 2. Both matches will be played at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.