Chairman of the national selection panel Rayon Griffith is confident about Vishaul Singh’s new role as skipper of the Guyana Jaguars, likening his skills to that of ‘a small axe that can cut down big trees.’
“Singh has a similar approach [to Leon] Johnson; he’s proactive, has good knowledge about the game and has proven his qualities as a leader,” Griffith told Stabroek Sport in an interview on Wednesday. Singh’s most successful stint as skipper came when he led Demerara to the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Senior Inter-county four-day title in October, a feat that influenced his selection to fill the vacant captaincy post, Griffith said. He has been selected ahead of leading candidates Narsingh Deonarine and Veerasammy Permaul, both experienced players.
According to Griffith, who is also a first class player with 22 matches to his name, selecting the captain was a tough task. “Deonarine and Permaul were possible candidates, but we the selectors saw it best that they focus on their respective facets of the game and continue to win matches for Guyana,” he explained. Further, he said, the players selected to lead or play for Guyana are chosen to assemble the best possible team.
Nevertheless, the former national pacer is optimistic that Singh will receive the same support as Johnson since several of the players have played with him and under his leadership. Despite his petite stature he is a brave young man, Griffith said, adding that “He’s a small axe that can cut down big trees.” Regarding the three players drafted into the squad: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shimron Hetmyer and Keon Joseph, the chairman said they have potential and are expected to be resourceful in Guyana’s campaign.
Meanwhile, Griffith said he has worked with the national team as assistant coach since the 50-overs tournament held in Trinidad and players and officials are committed to creating a positive environment, in response to queries raised in a recent edition of the Kaieteur News. “I am not the official manager of the Jaguars. However, I assist with managerial duties since the team is without a manager. I’m the Chairman of the National Selection Panel and the Assistant Coach since the super 50 tournament which was held in Trinidad earlier this year,” he said. “We (the players and officials) have worked together as a team to create a positive environment and have been on the right path as a result. We made it to the semifinals of the limited overs tournament and have completed outright wins in the first two rounds of the regional Professional Cricket Leagues (PCL).”
