Shepherd has sights on capturing 30+ wickets

2018-2019 Regional 4-Day Tournament…

– Second leading fast-bowler after four rounds

By Brandon Corlette

Guyana Jaguars has been presented with numerous all-rounders who have shown tremendous promise in a short period. The strong Romario Shepherd, who hails from Tucber Park in New Amsterdam Berbice, has taken 14 wickets after four rounds, and is behind Hurricanes and Windies test fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who has 15 wickets to his name this season.
The 24-year-old Shepherd told this publication that the Regional 4-Day season has started on a positive note, and he will be aiming to build on his successful start. After four rounds, Guyana Jaguars have remained unbeaten, and Shepherd has certainly played a role in the team’s success. This season, his best bowling figure is 4-36 at a good bowling average of 22.14.
In his exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, Shepherd explained that his batting has been a plus, but he is fully focused on taking wickets. In the four rounds played thus far in the Regional 4-Day Tournament, Shepherd has scored 135 runs at an average of 33.75, with a high score of 72.
This Berbician shares the new ball with fellow Berbician Clinton Pestano and Essequibian Keemo Paul. He has his eyes set on claiming a five-wicket haul this season.
In the 2016-2017 Regional 4-Day season, Raymond Reifer, who bowls gentle left-arm medium, was the top wicket-taker for the fast bowlers with 36 wickets. Shepherd, who is a regular member of the West Indies A team and the Guyana Amazon Warriors, is 16 wickets away from crossing the 30-wicket hurdle that fellow Jaguars team-mate Reifer had done in 2016-2017.
Shepherd has come through the ranks. Having represented Guyana under 19s, he made his First-class debut in March 2017 against Jamaica, where he picked up three wickets in both innings sharing the new ball with Keon Joseph.
In a short but blooming First-class career, Romario Shepherd has played 15 matches; has taken 44 wickets, with an overall bowling average of 25.9, and has recorded best bowling figures of 5-42. His strike rate is a decent one, taking 48.4 balls to pick up a wicket, in a spin dominant Jaguars unit.
As an opening bowler, he bats at number eight in the Jaguars team on most occasions, and has an average of 22 with the bat, scoring 346 runs with two half-centuries to his name.
Asked if he is playing the best cricket of his life, Shepherd told this reporter that he is aiming to grab more five-wicket hauls. Shepherd is seeking consistency at the Regional level, and is hoping to continue to contribute to the team’s success. And in the near future, he sees himself breaking into the West Indies senior team.