PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, cMC – Kieron Pollard will miss the quadrangular Twenty20 tournament in Barbados this week.
But Trinidad & Tobago team operations manager Omar Khan said the big all-rounder will be fit and ready to represent the reigning champions when the Caribbean T20 opens next Monday in Antigua.
Khan said Pollard is working aggressively on his hamstring injury and has given the word that he will be fit enough to join the Red Force in time for their first game against Windward Islands on the opening day at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.
“Pollard is currently working very aggressively on the hamstring injury with the team doctor and has [given the assurance] he would be ready to do battle for this country,” said Khan.
“As we all know, Pollard is a big name T20 player and having him around will boost our chances at defending the regional title.”
T&T start the quadrangular tournament in Barbados on Tuesday, where they will face Barbados, an All Stars XI and hosts Combined Campuses & Colleges as part of their final preparation.
Pollard is expected to join the team next Saturday in Bridgetown before they fly out to Antigua on Sunday for the start of the CT20.
Khan said he was looking at the reserve players to bring home the quadrangular title, as the first step in a grand plan to retain the Regional T20 title.
“We have set ourselves goals for the upcoming season and this quadrangular series in Barbados comes at a very good time, with the series just ahead,” he said.
“We are looking to win this title and get the necessary momentum as we move on to Antigua for the start of the series.”
Khan said the period in Barbados will also be used as team building sessions under new captain Denesh Ramdin.
“We will be doing a lot of team-building sessions and, as you know, we have a new captain and the management of the team intends to all that is necessary to assist him in building a powerful unit.
“Denesh has been well received by the players. He is well liked and the players respect him and this is a good start.”
Khan said that there are some aspects of leadership to which Ramdin needs to pay particular attention and they will be working on this in Barbados.
“Denesh needs to look at all the departments of the team in order to build that powerful unit and we will be helping with this while in Barbados,” said Khan.
“He would want to be more inspirational and lead from the front. He has leadership qualities and experience, and I have no doubt he would do us proud in the coming season.”
