PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The non-contracted pair of Kavesh Kantasingh and Bryan Charles have been named in Trinidad and Tobago Red Force’s 13-man squad for the first two rounds of the Professional Cricket League first class championship which bowls off next week.
Kantasingh, 29, is a left-arm spinner who played the last of his 37 first class matches two years ago while Bryan Charles, a 20-year-old off-spinner, made his debut last season and has played just one game.
Captain Rayad Emrit said the pair were welcomed additions.
“It is good to have Kavesh back because he is a seasoned campaigner with experience,” Emrit said.
“He is excellent in this format and has done well for the CCC and Trinidad and Tobago. Having him back is a big plus for us.
“Young Bryan Charles had a debut earlier this year but did not play much first class games. I think he has really improved and it is really good for the team to have a player of his calibre.”
As expected, the side includes Guyanese left-hander Narsingh Deonarine and Barbadian stroke-maker Kyle Hope, as the overseas players, with local players Evin Lewis and Kjorn Ottley further supporting the batting.
West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, who recently returned from Sri Lanka, will lead the attack that includes leg-spinner Imran Khan along with skipper Emrit.
“Narsingh is the most senior batsman in the team and he has to lead from the front,” Emrit explained.
“Kyle on the other hand has shown why Trinidad and Tobago invested in him. Since he arrived for practice he has been professional in his approach and we expect him to do the same in the regional tournament.”
Red Force, however, will have to do without fast bowler Marlon Richards and opener Jeremy Solozano, who are both injured.
T&T will open their campaign against Leeward Islands at Warner Park starting November 6 before tackling bitter long-time rivals Barbados Pride in the second series at Kensington Oval, and Emrit has backed his unit to make a strong start.
“We have a well-balanced team for our first two games. It is going to be tough, especially against Barbados but I think with our batting now, we will do well,” he pointed out.
“Our batsmen really played mature knocks in the practice matches and if they put the runs on the board we are going to have a good chance against the Leeward Islands and Barbados.”
SQUAD – Rayad Emrit (captain), Evin Lewis, Kjorn Ottley, Kyle Hope, Yannic Cariah, Narsingh Deonarine, Yannick Ottley, Imran Khan, Steven Katwaroo, Kavesh Kantasingh, Shannon Gabriel, Daniel St. Clair, Bryan Charles, Gus Logie (head coach)
