KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Head coach Paul Nixon says detailed planning has already gone into Jamaica Tallawahs’ campaign and he is hoping to reap rewards when the Caribbean Premier League bowls off tomorrow.
Tallawahs play their first game on Saturday against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and Nixon said the camp was a confident one heading into the June 29 to August 7 campaign.
“Our plans are coming together well for this year’s CPL. The management group touched base several weeks ago discussing plans and our daily calendar through the tournament,” Nixon said.
“The schedule includes the cricket sessions, leadership group chats, rest sessions, gym sessions from physiotherapy screening to rest and recovery sessions and managing the young bowlers’ workloads.
“Looking after our very important sponsors as well, it is crucial to help the Tallawahs grow our brand and our players are committed to do this. We are confident and happy with the direction we are heading at this early stage.”
Tallawahs boast a strong line-up this season with the likes of captain and superstar Chris Gayle headlining the squad. The Kingston-based franchise also includes Sri Lankan star Kumar Sangakkara, Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib al Hasan, along with along with South African fast bowler Dale Steyn.
Despite the presence of the stars, Nixon believes some of the regional players could make a name for themselves.
“The players to watch in our team is a tough question as all have a match winning ability but to say a couple of names are Rovman Powell a very hard-hitting batsman and Jon-Russ Jaggesar who is a very skilled off-spinner who can spin it both ways and with great accuracy,” the Englishman said.
“Mohammad Khan and the team picked so many talented guys with strong mental belief. Our squad has age and experience combined with the vibrancy and energy of youth.”
Champions of the inaugural CPL season in 2013, Tallawahs have flattered to deceive since, failing to make it back to a final.
And with every franchise having strengthened this season, Tallawahs will have their hands full against several of the other established sides.
Nixon backed his unit, however, pointing out they would not be over-awed by any side in the competition.
“We respect every one of our opposition teams but we don’t fear them. There are many world class players and I’m looking forward to seeing each team’s number 11 batsman walking back to the dressing room,” he said.
“It’s about us doing well and being calm under pressure with good decision-making in the heat of battle. One or two overs of super quality can win T20 cricket, so a good focus and mind-set is huge in the CPL.”
