Yadram elated over finishing U19 career with title

By Clifton Ross

The team returned home on Thursday afternoon and was greeted by Director of Sports Christopher Jones, along with Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Secretary Anand Sanasie, among other cricket board staff and media.
During his remarks, Yadram, the West Indies U-19 all-rounder, said that despite not retaining their 3-Day title, it was motivation and faith which enabled the young team to claim their 5th consecutive 50-Overs title after beating hosts Windward Islands in the finals.
“First of all, I want to thank The Almighty for giving us the health and strength to go out and play hard cricket, coming from the 3-Day. We didn’t have a good 3-Day tournament, so I told the fellows to just relax and play hard cricket, and that brought us our success,” the Captain said.
Regarding their misfortunes in the longer format, Yadram briefly gave his thoughts on what was the reason behind their woes prior to winning the title. “I think it was a lack of concentration and self-confidence in our batsmen. But we have good bowlers, and when we went out they bowled well, and that came off well for us”.
From a more personal perspective, the 18- year-old, who turns 19 on September 18, said the win was more emotional that celebratory; as, like him, most of his national and Windies teammates, like Ashmead Nedd and Joshua Persaud, will be calling curtains on their U19 careers and now look to transit into the senior fold.
Adding to the fact that his returns with the bat were below his usual high aggregate, the right-hander admitted that he was a bit down on confidence and was regretful about not making significant contributions as a senior batsman.
“From the staring I was a bit worried coming into the last year of my U19 career, so I wanted to get something big for myself and for my country. Unfortunately, it didn’t go that way, and the coaches said to me that’s how the game goes, but I still thought I should have gotten a big score,” Yadram confessed.
Another sentimental moment for the Guyanese skipper was that the win etched the country’s name in the Regional 50-Overs history books, they having won the title five straight years. Yadram said the occasion was momentous for the entire team, but for him now it’s about pushing onwards with his career.
“This title win was special because it’s our 5th straight year winning the title. For most of us, this is our last year playing U19, so it was emotional ending my career, but I just need to move on now,” he concluded.