Opener Kevon Boodie, who earned his debut call-up to the Guyana
Jaguars 14-man team for the 2016 NAGICO Regional Super50 tournament says that given the opportunity he will look to possibly end the competition as the highest run-scorer for the local franchise.
The dynamic right-hander sat down with Stabroek Sport Sunday the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), after he was awarded a new bat as a memento for being selected on the senior national team for the first time by the DCC executives and sponsors.
“Well, I have already achieved getting picked in the Guyana team so now my goal is once I get picked to start in the team, I want to be the leading run-scorer for Guyana,” he declared.
Boodie who hails from the East Bank Essequibo area where cricket offers a glimmer of hope for players, has certainly come a long way given the fact that he only 23-years-old.
He has earned the respect of Rayon Griffith and Esaun Crandon, the assistant Coach/Selector and Head Coach of the Jaguars team, with his talent, attitude and fitness and has gained their support.
“I’m an easy guy,” he says. “I like listening to music, working hard and relaxing (at home) so I don’t party much and I try to stay humble,” he said.
“Growing up in East Bank Essequibo you don’t get that much cricket and it shows that even there you have to work harder to be selected.”
Speaking of the weekly training sessions he has been a part of for the past few seasons, Boodie said, “Bonding with the guys was good. The team spirit is ok so far.”
He, however, admitted that the bonding helped with his physical fitness and some mental training as well.
“I have some family members helping me along the way and I do extra training after the team finishes (at the Bourda Cricket Ground). I train at home on the afternoons.”
The Guyana team reached last year’s final before controversial off-spinner Sunil Narine spun webs around them as Trinidad & Tobago won the competition.
This year Boodie is adamant that his side will get the job done.
“Last year we came in second place but I think we have a better team and we have been training hard as a unit so I think we could take it a step further and win it this year.”
The aggressive opener etched his name in Regional cricket history by scoring a double century (217) in the 2014 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) 50 overs Inter-County tournament against the national U19 side.
Asked about his role in the side, he said, “I like being aggressive but I have to take a look at the situation and play according to the role given to me.”
He lauded mentor, club Captain and Jaguars Vice-skipper/teammate, all-rounder Chris Barnwell who he said has played a critical role in his progression. He also made special mention of national coach and DCC coach Garvin Nedd who he said has been there to assist and correct him during his training since joining the club.
“Barnwell has been a role model. He shows me the ways and the stuff to do. Coach Nedd has been helping me to correct mistakes too.”
Guyana will open their campaign Thursday against the Windward Volcanoes in St Kitts/Nevis where Group B matches will be contested.
