National opener Robin Bacchus who is set to make his debut in this month end’s NAGICO Super50 Regional West Indies limited overs tournament yesterday suggested that teams should be wary of Guyana when the tournament gets underway on January 30 in Trinidad and Tobago.
The 24-year old is the only new face in the Guyana makeup and has been brimming with confidence ever
since he made his senior national team debut against Trinidad and Tobago in two T20s last year scoring his maiden half century in the process.
Since then Bacchus has gone on to register good scores in the Inter County tournament which proved a strong case for his national ODI call up.
“First off all I’m excited about this opportunity to represent my county and the rest of my teammates are making me feel at home,” the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) batsman told Stabroek Sports yesterday upon returning from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Camp Stephenson base where the team continued its fitness training with some hiking.
A specialist opener since he played at the Under-19 level, Bacchus stated that the responsibility of getting the team off to a good start at the top of the order was something he relishes.
“I feel very confident about our chances and confident that I could get us (Guyana) off to a great start.”
The national team has been encamped for a few weeks now and the players were involved in vigorous cardiovascular and cricket oriented drills, along with practice matches amongst themselves.
The young batsman lauded the support and efforts the young players receive from ex-West Indies skippers Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
“The camp has been good so far and Sars (Sarwan) and Shiv (Chanderpaul) are always willing to pass on their knowledge of the game,” he said.
Acknowledging that his debut will come with obstacles and hurdles he openly admitted that it has so far indeed been a challenging journey.
“Well as you know this is my first time in a senior camp and it was tough at the beginning but as time passed I’ve gotten fitter and stronger mentally and I’m able to keep up with the seasoned guys,” Bacchus declared.
With the likes of specialist openers Assad Fudadin and Trevon Griffith along with other players in the team such as Chanderpaul or wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble who can be used as openers, Bacchus is not threatened in any way by a possible exclusion from any of the games.
“It doesn’t matter, as much as I would love to play in all the games I still hope whoever gets the chance can go out and do it for Guyana,” he said unselfishly.
With three more matches to go in the camp’s fixtures, one tomorrow at the Bourda ground and two day/night matches at the National Stadium next week, the left-hander signaled his intent to make right the starts that he has been getting and score heavily as time draws near for the commencement of the tournament.
“I have been working hard with the coaching staff in the nets and I’m feeling a lot more comfortable from since the last practice match,” he stated.
Guyana heads into the tournament with their sights set on winning their 10th Regional One day title and Bacchus is confident that his team can pull it off.
“Looking at the makeup of the team I think we have more than have what it takes, we have loads of experience as well as confident youths, I think we will be the team to look out for,” he said.
Guyana will face Ireland in their opening match of the tournament.
