ST .JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC- Leeward Islands coach Ridley Jacobs says poor preparation was the cause for his team’s lackluster showing in the opening round of the WICB Professional Cricket League (PCL) over the weekend.
A dismal performance from the Leeward Island saw them plummet to an innings and 10 run defeat to host Guyana Jaguars inside three days at the national stadium.
Jacobs said the Leewards demise can be attributed to a lack of adequate preparation and poor batting in their first innings.
“The pitch was a good track to bat on, but we didn’t bat well. In the second innings we batted better, but in the first innings we didn’t bat well at all. I think that basically a lack of preparation because we had two days of preparation before the game,” said Jacobs.
“We spoke about that earlier to the Board that we need to have these players working for a period of time, at least three weeks, but we only had like a day and a half because they had to sign some contracts”.
Guyana piled up and imposing first innings total of 343 all out while Leewards responded with a paltry 94 all out and was asked to bat again.
The Leewards showed improvement in their second innings and made 239 all out off 79.4 overs.
Jacobs, a former West Indies wicketkeeper, has expressed confidence that the performances of his players will improve during the four month long tournament.
“We’re together now and we’re jelling good, and once we can get in some good practice. I think the players can give a better showing ,” he said.
“I am hoping that they can do that because the bowling has held its own so it’s just for the batters to put some runs on the board”.
The win sends Jaguars to the top of the table on 17 points while Leewards occupy the cellar position on two points.
Leewards will play Trinidad & Tobago Red Force while Guyana take on Windward Islands Volcanoes in second round action this weekend.