Guyana Amazon Warriors Head Coach Roger Harper said he is satisfied with the form shown by his players during the 2016 pre-Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) camp and expects them to begin their title chase on a positive note.
The Warriors winged out for St Kitts yesterday where they will open the competition against the home team Patriots on Wednesday before returning home a few days later to begin their campaign at home from July 7.
Harper told Stabroek Sport yesterday that he was satisfied with what he had seen from his players despite the rain affecting some of the sessions during last week’s camp.
“Considering the role the weather played we are happy with what we managed to do. We got a few good simulations and one good practice game and the guys did well. We are happy with where we are and we’re looking to hit St Kitts raring to go,” he added.
While West Indies Test leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo and Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir bowled well a few nights ago in the practice game, Aussie leg-spinner Adam Zampa has also been bowling well during the Tri-Nations Series which ended yesterday, ending as the leading wicket taker, form that the Coach credited heading into CPL 2016.
“I think It’s important whether its home games or games away, we have to bowl well as a unit,” said Harper who acknowledged that while his bowlers seem to be in good form, he was also impressed by his batters who played equally well during the practice games and said posting good totals will be their aim.
The former West Indies all-rounder said that it was also critical for the players to familiarise themselves with the conditions in St Kitts over the next three days and said that he anticipated a keen clash with not just the Patriots, but the rest of teams in the tournament.
“All the teams are well-balanced teams with good strength and we expected them to be more competitive.”
Regarding their first match, Harper said that they have not yet determined the approach and strategies.
As for the Guyanese fans, the former West Indies Coach thanked the fans for their support of the team over the years and asked them to continue their support and back their side, especially during the home games next week.
Meanwhile, Australian batsman Chris Lynn said the gelling process between the players was important and he now expects them to do well on the field as a unit. “They’re a good bunch of lads, I think we had a good week leading into the tournament and now we will look to open with a bang in St Kitts.”
The pugnacious left-hander said that the process of gelling was important for the team’s success, adding that he expects the Warriors to be a “force” during the tournament.
The Warriors will have a few days to get acclimatized before their match against the home team.
