CHANDERPAUL… veteran batsman and inspirational leader
A strong Guyana Jaguars squad, featuring veteran West Indies left-hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul, arrived in the island yesterday for the Regional four-day match against hosts Jamaica Franchise at Sabina Park, beginning tomorrow.
While Chanderpaul is the headliner, the batting department also includes the captain and rookie West Indies left-handed opener Leon Johnson, the experienced left-hander Narsingh Deonarine, silky top-order player Rajindra Chandrika and swashbuckling middle-order player Christopher Barnwell.
The bowling unit features long-limbed pace bowler Ronsford Beaton, left-armer Raymon Reifer, wily leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo and slow left-arm orthodox bowler Veerasammy Permaul.
Ahead of tomorrow’s resumption of the four-day tournament — interrupted to allow the scheduled playing of the Nagico Super50 — Guyana lead the point standings with 57 points. Jamaica are second with 50 points, while Barbados are third with 44 points, Windward Islands (26), Trinidad & Tobago (24) and Leeward Islands (10).
Esuan Crandon, the coach of Guyana, said rainy weather in their homeland hampered training somewhat, but he insisted that the vibe within the camp is good.
“We went into training a couple of days after the Super50 [ended], but unfortunately we were affected a bit because of bad weather back in Guyana,” he told the Jamaica Observer after the Guyanese arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport.
“The most important thing is the mindset and the guys are focused and we are back to full strength against Jamaica and our mission is to win and stay atop the table.”
Despite Jamaica, the four-day powerhouses over the last decade, having the upper hand over Guyana at Sabina in recent times, Crandon was positive that his team could finally turn the tables.
“We are optimistic of our chances and we are a confident group. We haven’t had much success over the years in Jamaica, but this is an opportunity for us to do it,” the Guyana coach said.