Chris Barnwell, the Guyana Jaguars skipper has sent out a strong warning to the other teams ahead of this this week’s start of the 2105 NAGICO Regional Super 50 tournament, saying that his side is “dangerous” and “should not be taken lightly.”
Stabroek Sports caught up with Barnwell yesterday. The captain was in a positive frame of mind prior to his team’s departure to the twin-island republic of Trinidad & Tobago early this morning and he gave an insight into the mood in the Jaguars camp. Barnwell, who was named skipper of the 14-man team last week, said that Guyana was looking to carry its momentum from the four-day tournament into the 50-overs format.
“I think the momentum is still in the camp. It’s a different format but we played well in four-day. We had one bad game but teams usually don’t take Guyana lightly in this format. We are a dangerous team and we have confidence from the four-days. The guys have runs and wickets so once we hit our straps we can do well,” he declared.
Last season, Guyana played very well and found themselves in the semi-finals but lost to Barbados after most of the team contracted the influenza bug but the all-rounder was confident that a full-strength team can bring home the 50-overs title, noting that once all is well physically they have the ability to go further than last season.
Apart from being captain, the 26-year-old will be shouldering enormous responsibility as an all-rounder who is a key figure with the ball as well as the bat.
When asked about his role in the team, his reply was:“Being one of the senior players in the team I have to perform with bat and ball. I also have to play an important role in looking to finish off the innings well.”
The Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) player also expressed his satisfaction about the players he will be heading into the tournament with, deeming the side as balanced, youthful and experienced.
“We have a balanced team with a good line up of youngsters and experienced players. Our aim is to go out, bat and bowl well and just stick to the basics.”
The West Indies T20 player, who has 21 List A matches under his belt, also lauded the training camps facilitated by Coach Esaun Crandon and Assistant Coach Rayon Griffith for the team’s good form.
“Leading up to the four-day, training was good. We had our fitness test and we also enjoyed each other’s company and our practice matches went well so we are eager and ready to go,” he said.
When asked about if any lessons were learnt in comparison to last season’s approach, the captain said:“I think the method we used in the batting was don’t give away early wickets and look for the middle order to finish off because the games we lost, we lost wickets early but once we have wickets in hand we would not have to play catch up cricket.”
The former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) player concluded his interview by pointing out that Guyana, who will be seeking their eight 50 overs title, are poised ahead of their clashes with opponents in Group A; Windwards Volcanoes, Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) and defending champions Barbados Pride.
“We all fancy ourselves to win if we knew we couldn’t win the competition we would have not have taken part. We know it will not be handed to us. We have to work for it.”
