With the 2016/17 West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional four-day tournament just weeks away, defending champions Guyana Jaguars will commence their official practice match starting today at the Everest Cricket Club Ground, Camp Road from 9:30hrs.
Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI) yesterday announced the two sides, one to be led by in-form West Indies A batsman Vishaul “Cheesy” Singh and the other by out-of-favor West Indies T20 all-rounder Chris Barnwell.
Last week the Jaguars had a few days of cricket simulation at Everest which helped players in form to prepare for the practice game.
On paper, both teams seem evenly matched with an explosive array of batting firepower and a quality bowling line-ups which should provide four days of proper entertainment.
With the possibility of a “3-Peat” following their consecutive title wins in the 2014/15 and the 2015/16 tournaments, CGI has given the selectors permission to choose players from outside of the contracted 15, on a “Pay For Play,” basis to ensure the champs have their best team.
Head Coach Esuan Crandon told Stabroek Sport yesterday during a brief comment that he was happy with the progress during the simulation and expected his players to make full use of their form and give good account of themselves over the next few days.
Some of the notable absenteess from the practice game included seamer Paul Wintz and off-spinning all-rounder Steven Jacobs who are currently injured.
Jaguars Captain Leon Johnson and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo are currently on West Indies Test duties while Assad Fudadin, Veersammy Permaul and Ronsford Beaton are representing the West Indies A team and will resume national duties following the conclusion of their respective series.
Team A- Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rajendra Chandrika, Shemron Hetmyer, Vishaul Singh – Captain, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Raymond Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Sherfane Rutherford, Clinton Pestano, Anthony Adams Raun Johnson, Gajanan Suknanan, Jonathan Foo and Ashasya Persaud
Team B- Kandasammy Surujnarine, Robin Bacchus, Bhaskar Yadram, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Christopher Barnwell – Captain, Kemo Paul, Tevin Imlach, Seon Hetmyer,,Romario Shepherd, Eon Hooper, Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joseph, Steven Sankar and Kevon Boodie.
