Andre Stoll, the tall, left-arm, medium-fast bowler from the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), who represented Guyana at the U15, U17 and U19 levels, is seeking to make the final squad for the upcoming regional four-day cricket competition.
A member of the Guyana T20 squad in 2011, Stoll has since fallen out of favour with the selectors or so it seems.
He is hoping to impress the selectors in the camp which got underway yesterday and to perform well enough in the practice matches that will follow so as to try and force his way into the team for the four-day competition which commences February 28.
In the following interview with Stabroek Sport (SS), Stoll (AS) speaks of his goal for the 2014 season, injuries he sustained and of the hard work that he put in to reach this point in his career where he feels he can challenge successfully for a place in the four-day squad.
SS: What’s your goal for the 2014 cricket season?
AS: My goal is to continue training hard to gain selection in the upcoming first-class season which begins later this month. I’m also looking forward to playing professional cricket in Trinidad and Tobago and Canada.
SS: What you think about the camp that the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is holding to prepare the national team for the first class season?
AS: I think the camp will be beneficial since there’s much to be learnt from the coaches present, and also, it will help with my fitness.
SS: Did your omission from the current NAGICO Super50 squad come as a surprise?
AS: I wasn’t surprised at my omission because my performances in the GCB 50 overs competition did not stand out the way I wanted to, or in a way that would have boosted my chances of being selected.
SS: So what will boost your chances of being selected in the squad for the regional first class season?
AS: Well, I have performed in the recent four-day Inter County tournament. I was among the leading wicket-taking fast bowlers. Also, during the camp, the coaches and selectors will be able to see my progress, especially in the practice matches. There are also a number of Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) games to be played leading up to the first-class season. Once I’m given a chance to play in those, my performances can account for me.
SS: You made the Guyana T20 squad in 2011. Since then you haven’t been selected for any national duties, what has happened during that period?
AS: My performance declined mainly because of a few injuries, but after recovering which took a few months, I went back to my club where I commenced training in mid-2013.
SS: Your performance in the 2013 GCB four-day competition was indeed effective what influenced this?
AS: My injuries and lack of performance in 2012; because of that I had to work extra hard. Hours of spot bowling and gym work was my main diet.
SS: When people hear about Andre Stoll they think mainly of a left-arm, fast-medium bowler. However, you contributed a lot with the bat at youth cricket, and had a memorable match against Malteenoes Sports Club in a GCA first-division tournament scoring a century in each innings in 2011 at age 19. What happened to your batting since?
AS: Well, I can still be useful in the lower order with the bat, but I focus more on my bowling because that’s my main purpose in any team. Besides, in my club team I am rarely granted the opportunity to bat with the likes of Christopher Barnwell and Trevon Griffith present.
SS: What you usually do when cricket is not playing?
AS: I’m usually in the gym or doing endurance running in the National Park.
Stabroek Sport wishes Andre Stoll all the best in the upcoming cricket season. (Delvon MC Ewan)