Regional 4-Day debutants delighted with selection

– Jaguars’ Imlach, Red Force’s Da Silva reaching for greater heights

By Brandon Corlette

The first two rounds of the CWI Regional 4-Day tournament have just concluded, and young players have been given opportunity to showcase their talents. In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, two young players who made their debuts for their respective teams this season expressed how grateful they are for the opportunity to play among the best regional players.
Guyana Jaguars wicket-keeper/batsman Tevin Imlach was presented his 4-Day cap in the first round, against the Windward Islands Volcanoes. The 22-year-old Imlach told this reporter that his first-class debut was a great learning experience.
“I learned a lot, even though I did not get the strategy I wanted,” Imlach explained. He noted that the 4-Day format has given him determination, focus and patience.
“I was a bit anxious when I got my opportunity to bat. The team is very welcoming and the standards are high,” he explained.
This Under-19 West Indies wicket-keeper/batsman has five ‘List A’ matches to his credit, having played for the West Indies ‘B Team’ in the 2018-2019 Regional Super 50. He has scored one half century at the Regional level, an unbeaten 57 in Tarouba against the Windward Islands Volcanoes.
With some eight more rounds to play in the 2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament, Imlach fancies his chances to play more matches. In the process, he told this reporter that he is focused on scoring runs for his country, and is eager to learn from the best Regional players.
Trinidad and Tobago Red Force wicket-keeper/batsman Joshua Da Silva made his debut in the second round against the Volcanoes. This talented 19-year-old told this reporter that his debut experience was definitely one he would remember for a long time.
Speaking for the team, Da Silva stated, “We did not get the results we wanted, but it was still an exciting match.”
Having played his debut match against the Volcanoes, for which ace-spinner Shane Shillingford plays, Da Silva told this reporter he was nervous. “The team’s atmosphere is welcoming, and the lads are jelling, and the attitude is always positive. Win, lose or draw, we back each other,” Da Silva explained.
Da Silva says his experience of facing the first ball is unforgettable. He got off the mark with a splendid boundary scored from a full and wide delivery. “After a few balls, I got into my groove; and in the end it wasn’t that bad, Da Silva declared.
With eight rounds remaining for the CWI Regional 4-Day season, Da Silva has confessed, “My goal is to do the best I can for my team”.
In his memorable debut match, Da Silva had scores of 24 and 41 for the Red Force in a losing effort, but his second innings top-score of 41 highlighted the huge amount of talent he possesses. He also had been given opportunity with the gloves, taking one catch and effecting one sharp stumping that involved Devon Smith off the bowling of off-spinner Bryan Charles.
Always attracted to test cricket, Joshua Da Silva emulates the great Guyanese icon Ramnaresh Sarwan. Da Silva has been a dominant performer in Trinidad, and he was awarded greatly for his solid performances.
The debutants Imlach and Da Silva are blooming cricketers, and they certainly have a huge amount of talent within them. Both players have their eyes on the same prize — playing test cricket for the West Indies in the near future.