By Akeem Greene
Guyana Jaguars left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul continues to be a dominant force in regional cricket but those splendid performances have not corresponded in a consistent exposure to international cricket.
On April 11 at the National Stadium, Providence, Permaul returned the One Day International (ODI) team after last playing one of his seven ODIs in November 2013 after making his debut in 2012 against Bangladesh.
During his come-back where he bowled four overs for 31 runs and made eight runs.
“It is always nice playing in front of the your home crowd and It was nice to be back after so many years; the comeback was not the best of games but I still have to keep working and whatever opportunities present itself to be better next time”, he stated.
Added to his ODI outings, the spinner has played 6 Tests since making his debut in 2012, with his last being June 2015 against Australia. In this regard, the bowler is extremely desirous of playing more for the men in maroon.
“I really want to play for West Indies consistently, I have been working hard throughout the years, I have been getting wickets in regional cricket and I really wanted it; it does matter the format I really want to play for West Indies”, the 27 year-old expressed.
During the ODI match he also got a chance to play with Albion Cricket Club teammate and fellow spinner Devendra Bishoo for the first time in International cricket, an experience he hopes to happen more.
“As a youngster growing up, we always played together, we trained together and always wanted to play together on the world stage and we had that opportunity one time and hopefully we have many more”.
In the last three Four-day seasons, the spinner played 27 matches and collected 148 wickets while in the 50-over format, in his 17 matches he garnered 37 wickets; even playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League, he as has been an evergreen of consistency.
In deciphering why he continues to pose a threat to regional batsmen, the bowler adjudged it to being patient.
“I think as a player I have gotten more experience as what to it takes to get wickets at the regional level; it is same thing I have been doing every year, be consistent in an area”.
He added, “Bowling in the Caribbean once you be patient to batsmen you tend to get wickets”.
It is not only with ball in hand that the player is seeking to make an impact since the right-handed batsman who has played 93 First-Class matches with a high score of 86 not out is working overtime on improving his stroke-play.
“I have been working on my batting most people know me as one who comes down the order and hit the ball but I’m a much better batter than that, situations in games that was required; I’m trying to be more consistent and get good scores when opportunities present itself”.
He further disclosed, “as a cricketer you need to adapt to situations, you need to learn quickly and be on your game all the time and try improve everyday”.
Meanwhile, commenting on the Jaguars three-peat in the four-day season, he contended that the rough times were what helped the team learn the meaning on winning.
“ We had some rough times but we are now reaping the benefits most of the guys that went through the bad patches and we were at the bottom of the table for a long time, however, for the last three years we are the champs”.
He went to say “ the guys are more experienced, we know what it is lose and what it is to win and everyone understand their game and everyone is playing their role and stepping in various time and it was the collective team effort that brought us success”.
Permaul will have another chance to stake a claim for international duties if he plays for the WICB President’s XI against the touring Afghanistan in a Twnety20 match on May 30 at Warner Park, St. Kitts and Nevis.
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