Demerara Captain Vishaul Singh and Developmental Team opposite Steven Jacobs said their teams are upbeat and raring to go ahead of today’s second round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)’s four-day Inter-County tournament at the Everest Community Development Centre ground.
The Developmental XI, on a high after their come-from-behind win over Essequibo will meet a Demerara team which although they outplayed Berbice, were unable to press home for an outright win, the match ending in a draw.
Speaking with Stabroek Sports yesterday, Singh, a compact left-hander who scored an emphatic 153 in the first round said that the mood in their camp was that of confidence and hunger.
“I think everyone is upbeat, we outplayed them (Berbice) in the first game and we are looking forward to the clash with the Developmental Team who are at the top of the table.”
He also spoke of his 300-run partnership with teammate and double centurion Rajendra Chandrika who made a masterful 219.
“Having batted well and having a big score, I want to continue from where I left off and try to get another big score and keep my form going into first class if it is that I do get selected.
Both teams, Demerara and the GCB Developmental XI have had a few hiccups and when asked if any emphasis will be placed on a specific area Singh said: “We had a very good all-round game batting and bowling wise.
We declared twice so our batting is on. Unfortunately, we could not bowl them out a second time cause of the pitch but apart from that we want to work hard on our catching.”
His final thoughts ahead of the match were directed towards the opponents who he said should not be underestimated.
“Calling them a Developmental Team is understatement. No team with 4 or 5 first-class players should be taken lightly. They can turn up out-bat or out-bowl you out on any given day so we will be looking to go hard against them,” Singh declared.
Meanwhile, the former West Indies Under-19 skipper Jacobs said his team was confident going into the second round.
“The mood is pretty okay. We have good confidence after our come-from-behind victory against Essequibo where we played well as a team.”
Jacobs has so far lived up to his pre-tournament statement of wanting to dominate with both bat and ball doing so exceptionally with both bat and ball in the last game scoring a half-century and bagging six wickets which set up a thrilling win for his side.
“As I said, I think this 50-over and four-day tournament is the time for me to dominate and step up as a senior Guyanese cricketer and as captain.
“I had to bat up the order. I want to continue my form heading into the upcoming matches.”
“Demerara is a good team and with three of guys having centuries we are wary of that.”
He added that “being patient when bowling and batting is the key in 4-day cricket.”
The GCB Developmental Team skipper praised the cricket board for what he termed as a “good initiative” to mix the more senior players with the younger cricketers.
“The likes of Kellon (Carmichael) Chandarpaul (Hemraj), (Yatesh) Dhanpaul have experience and for the younger players who don’t have the experience we can come and guide them so we all can learn from each other as cricketers.”
Demerara will seek to maintain their form in both departments while the
Developmental Team who are top of the table will want to ensure they stay on top of their cricket. The match is scheduled to bowl off at 9:00hrs while admission is free.
