Two new faces have been included in the Guyana national team which will contest the three away matches in the Regional Carib Beer four-day cricket tournament set to commence on January 4 2008.
Earning their caps in the Ramnaresh Sarwan-led squad for the first time are former Guyana and West Indies under-19 middle-order batsman Gajanand Singh and another former under-19 fast bowler Brandon Bess.
Omitted are reliable all-rounder Chris Barnwell who should have been rewarded with the most improved cricketer award at the Guyana Cricket Board annual award ceremony held recently, opener Royston Crandon, middle order batsman Homchand Pooran and fast bowler Trevon Garraway.
The reasons for the omission of both Crandon and Barnwell can only be known to the selectors, taking into consideration that they were part of the national team that contested the KFC Cup competition and also played against the visiting Team USA/Guyana and Trinidad teams respectively with success, whilst Garraway has been a consistent performer for Essequibo in the Inter County tournament.
With no Neil Mc Garrell and Mahendra Nagamootoo in the team, the spin department is in the hands of Zaheer Mohammed and West Indies under-19 left arm orthodox spinner Veerasammy Permaul and it is left to be seen if their performance can compensate for the loss of the experienced spin duo.
While there is no Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the side includes two players with test experience in captain Sarwan and West Indies middle order batsman Narsingh Deonarine. The pair, along with Sewnarine Chattergoon, who has played three one-day internationals for the West Indies will be expected to bolster the middle order especially since Chattergoon is the only specialist opener in the side.
Travis Dowlin, the appointed vice captain, is highly expected to open the batting with Chattergoon, making a place in the middle for either former West Indies Under-19 captain Leon Johnson, Singh or Assad Fudadin who has been consistent since his return from England.
In an invited comment, Singh told Stabroek Sport that he was delighted to be included in a team that has the best players in the country.
“When I heard the news, I was elated. To be included with the best in the country is good and when I do get the chance, I intend to do my best to justify the selectors’ faith in me. I will be looking for an average of at least 50 an innings with an aggregate of over 500 runs at the end of the tournament,” Singh added.
Permaul, who is also a member of the West Indies Under-19 team to participate in the upcoming Youth World Cup in Malaysia, expects to lead the bowling before his departure. “Last year I did a lot of bowling, so I know what to expect this time around.
I intend to make much use of this opportunity prior to my departure for the Youth World Cup. With no Nagamootoo and Mc Garrell around, much will be expected of Mohammed and myself to do the kind of work they did for Guyana,” he declared.
With no Reon King in the side, the fast bowling department has been placed in the hands of Jeremy Gordon, who was once arguably the best young paceman around, Bess and the ever reliable Esaun Crandon. Derwin Christian will take care of the wicket keeping duties.
The 13 man squad reads: Ramnaresh Sarwan (Captain); Travis Dowlin (v/ Captain); Sewnarine Chattergoon; Narsingh Deonarine, Assad Fudadin; Leon Johnson; Gajanand Singh; Derwin Christian; Zaheer Mohammed; Veerasammy Permaul; Jeremy Gordon; Brandon Bess and Esaun Crandon.
Once again the team will be managed and coached by the reliable pair of Carl Moore and Albert Smith respectively.
They had their first practice session at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue yesterday due to the weather conditions.
