“We really want to bring the title back to Guyana” – Crandon

By Clifton Ross

Guyana Jaguars Head Coach Esuan Crandon is backing the new-look Jaguars 50 Overs team to break the more than a decade-long jinx as they seek to add the elusive Regional Super 50 title to their collection.
After announcing their side for the upcoming Regional Super50, selectors dropped a surprise with six newbies in the squad. Among those who will start their 50 overs career with the Jaguars include; Chandrapaul Hemraj, Ramaal Lewis, Keemo Paul, Ricardo Adams, Clinton Pestano and Sherfane Rutherford.

Coach Crandon told Guyana Times Sport that he believes the team’s blend of youth and experience will play a key role in this year’s competition. “I think we have a good balance and blend of players with some experience guys and some guys now coming through from the 4-days. Most of the guys have been playing good cricket in the local league so it’s about making it work when we get to Antigua and hit the ground running,” said Crandon.
Following a comprehensive title defence in the 4-Dayers, the Jaguars now turn their attention to the seemingly intangible Regional 50 Overs title which has been out of their clutches for almost 15 years.
Speaking about the team’s chances overseas, Crandon stated that with the knowledge of Antigua, most notable the Sir Viv Richards Ground where they played an invitational T20series a few months ago, he is certain that once the players are fully acclimatized then it will be easier for them going forward.
“Definitely we’ve looked for a bit more energy and positivity in the squad this year and we have decent knowledge at Sir Viv Richards ground but we will still have to settle in and get acclimatized,” he explained.
Crandon said that he was especially happy with the mix of experience and youth in the team as it will help to further develop the games of the younger Jaguars. The former national player was most certain that while his team has not been able to break the 50 over title jinx, given the make-up of the team and the form of most of his players, all Guyana needs is to win a few matches to get their momentum going.
“ It’s a good team, I’m very optimistic about their chances because it’s a long time the title has eluded us and we really want to bring the title back to Guyana. It’s not going to come easy, its hard training and execution but once we do that, we can win games,” Crandon declared.
Players will assemble on Friday January 27 at Providence as the Jaguars host their solitary practice match before winging out for Antigua on Sunday, where they open the competition versus Kent in Group B at the Viv Richards Cricket Ground on January 31.
The other zone is being played in Barbados and begins on January 30 while the final is set for February 24 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.