Shepherd credits strong Regional season for CPL selection

By Clifton Ross

Guyana/West Indies ‘A’ all-rounder Romario Shepherd, believes his solid performances in the 2017-18 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional tournaments played a huge role in being drafted to the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise; ahead of Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 6.
Shepherd, the 23 year-old burly fast-bowling all-rounder, was snapped up by the local franchise a few weeks ago during the official player draft held in London. As part of the record-winning Guyana Jaguars 4-Day team and 50 over side; Shepherd told Guyana Times Sport that he thinks his good work this season was the reason for another chapter opening in his career.

“I feel the Super50 played a big factor in my selection to the Guyana Amazon Warriors team, so I just want to go out there and I want express myself by putting in my all and hopefully win some games for the team”, said Shepherd.
A good worker in departments, Shepherd along with his newbie Warriors mate Sherfane Rutherford and West Indies newest addition Keemo Paul formed a lethal pace attack which proved too much for opposition throughout the regional season.
While the former Guyana Under-19 player believes it was his Super 50 acts which yielded 11 wickets at an average of 28 played a key role in his CPL selection; his 15 wickets including a 5-fer from just five games in the 4-dayers also buffed his credentials.
Although Shepherd has not quite scratched the surface with the bat, his ability to strike the ball fiercely and boundary-finding ability was recognized during the regional tournaments; as he played a few important cameos for his team.
When asked about his approach for the upcoming T20 spectacle which bowls off in Guyana this August, the Berbician said, “In T20 cricket everything is fast, so if I can adjust and adapt to the format as fast as possible and get some performances in, it will boost my career”.
The Warriors have been amongst the top franchise since the tourney bowled off back in 2013, making the finals twice. Shepherd admitted that he was moved by his selection as he’s happy to see more youngsters like himself getting opportunities to perform on the big stages. “Well it is a good thing for us knowing the franchises have confidence in us and are backing us 100%, so we can relax and feel free to play our normal game”.
As Guyana continues to break barriers by feeding more and more player into the West Indies arena, the right-arm pacer recently had his taste of international cricket after he was selected to the West Indies A team for their unofficial series versus the England Lions in Antigua; last week.
Shepherd said the opportunity itself was golden as it increased his confidence tenfold going forward. “It was a good experience being in that side (Windies A team). It did my confidence a whole lot of good so I just need to continue working hard”.
He concluded by saying that his goal, given his selection to the Warriors camp was to now prepare for the upcoming campaign as he seeks to further bolster his budding international career.
“I’m just looking to improve on my start with the ball and if I get to bat finish the innings well because momentum is a big thing in T20 cricket. I feel it is a good thing for me at this age and stage of my career, so I’m just looking forward to do well and make the most out of this tournament”, ended Shepherd.