The fifth edition of the biggest party in sports, the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is about to take the region by storm with a number of regional and international players about to suit up for their adopted teams.
That scenario, however, of playing for an adopted team, for young Roshon Primus is not so unfamiliar.
Primus, in a quest to explore his cricketing options, moved away from his native land Barbados to the Twin-Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago who he made his first-class debut for and chalked up impressive numbers which prompted the management of Guyana Amazon Warriors team to solicit his services at the 2017 CPL players’ auction.
His selection, it appears, came on the back of his destructive potential where the 21-year-old, who is an exciting talent captured 6 – 30 and stroked a vital 36 not – out during his first – class debut against the Windward Islands to hand Trinidad an outright win.
He eventually ended the season with 352 runs with three half-centuries while grabbing 21 wickets from seven matches. His debut List- A season, however, was much more modest as he only scored 88 runs with a solitary half-century with his best bowling figures being 2-20.
The young all-rounder, however, seems to possess the qualities of a gritty cricketer who could possibly contribute to the Warriors first CPL title which has been eluding the South American side.
Stabroek Sports reached out to the Trinidad-based young man to capture his thoughts on making his debut for the Warriors where he expressed delight.
“I’m very excited about making my debut in CPL for the Warriors,” Primus responded while adding, “Hopefully I could bring the same impact to the team as I did for the Red Force in the PCL.”
When asked what fans should expect, Primus, in his usual confident manner said: “The fans could expect the same as I did in the PCL or even better; some stellar all-around performances,” he assured.
Touching on the newly relayed Providence surface he added: “I didn’t get to watch much [matches] to see how it plays but I’m sure I could adapt quickly.
“Definitely, as a cricketer, one must always be working to improve your game whether it be mentally or physically but I’m working on my fitness and strength at the moment,” he said of his preparation.
Primus, who grew up in Pickwick Gap, Barbados, said his move to Trinidad came basically as a rare opportunity which presented itself.
The burly Primus who strikes the cricket ball some distance which complements his steady right – arm seam bowling, said that he was quite eager to use the opportunity to compete with the international stars in an effort to improve his game.
“I’m really excited to play with and against the international pros, maybe I can learn a lot to take my game to another level and become even a better player.”
The youngster, who Like many of the West Indians who fell in love with cricket on the sandy beaches, under the Caribbean sun, also registered his desire to represent the Caribbean side.
Primus credited his Bajan club mates Jason Holder, Kraigg Brathwaite, Kirk Edwards, Ian Bradshaw, his coaches and parents for pushing and advising him along his journey.
His inclusion should add value to the Warriors setup in the absence of Christopher Barnwell who is now with the Barbados Tridents squad. His lower order striking ability and his steady medium pace will be an asset to the spin-laden side, adding some semblance of balance to the Warriors side.
