Guyana Jaguars head coach Esuan Crandon says the local side will be looking to put pressure on the out-of-form Jamaicans when the two sides meet today at the Guyana National Stadium in the eighth round of the Professional Cricket League’s (PCL) four-day tourney.
In an interview after the Jaguars’ final net session at the stadium, the former national all-rounder said he is positive that a full-strength Guyana can beat their opponents a second time if they stick to their game-plan.
“The Jaguars have been good so far this season; by far it’s one of our best seasons.
We had the upper hand against Jamaica after a long time and those boxes that we have not ticked we need to tick them. We are also very thankful for the practice session so when today comes we should be ready for the game,” he said.
Speaking about the inclusion of opener Assad Fudadin who was cleared to play in this round after recovering from a finger injury, Crandon said the left-hander’s presence in the side is a good boost to the team’s solid batting unit. “Fudadin coming back is a plus for the team. He brings stability at the top of the order [and] we expect him to come out and play well.
He looked good in the nets and [we] hope he can transform that form into the games once he makes the final eleven,” the head coach said.
The last time the Jaguars played at home, tournament leading wicket-taker Veerasammy Permaul bagged 12 victims from the Barbados Pride and Crandon has no doubt that his bowling attack led by the in-form left-arm spinner can take 20 Jamaican wickets during the next four days. “The bowlers have been good so far, they showed that they are able to pick up 20 wickets and if you can’t take 20 wickets you can’t win. Also, I think the conditions will suit our bowlers especially the spinners and medium-pacers so we will be banking on our bowlers to restrict them and take those 20 wickets,” he said.
Crandon reiterated that if the Jaguars head into the match with the same momentum and the form they have been displaying during the camp and if they post a big total they can use that as a platform to script a commanding win on home soil against the Jamaicans who have been a little under the weather. “We always set ourselves goals.
We also believe that a good first innings total will put the team in a decent position to win the game so anything over 375 will be a good score. Most of our games we have put on over 250, against Barbados in the last match we didn’t do that in the first innings but we came back in the second and scored over 300 to win, so we will be looking to score a lot of runs and put the Jamaicans under pressure,” he explained.
With the elements in place, a good Providence pitch and field looking well in order for the next four days, the hosts will focus on extending their recent winning streak as they enter toady’s battle with a clear psychological advantage over the visitors.
The first ball is expected to bowl off at 9am and admission to the stadium is free.