Fast bowling all-rounder Paul Wintz has been called up to the Guyana Jaguars squad to replace Keemo Paul for the ongoing Regional Super 50 Festival.
Paul, who has been on a steady rise, has been selected to represent the West Indies A team as the replacement for the injured Miguel Cummins in the current series against the touring England Lions, thus, making way for Wintz.
Wintz, before departing Guyana yesterday, indicated to Stabroek Sport that he was once again delighted about getting another opportunity to wear his national colours and hopes to add to the Jaguars’ recent success.
“Yea, as always, I’m happy to represent my country, and I’m looking forward to the opportunities for my country to win this tournament,” the 31 year-old told this publication.
The fast bowler has been in good form recently, snapping up 12 wickets in the just concluded Guyana Cricket Board/ Jaguars 50 overs tournament, to lead Georgetown to championship honours. He will head into the tournament with the weight of expectations on his shoulders since he is replacing Guyana’s leading wicket-taker Paul, who has so far snared 13 scalps.
Wintz, nonetheless, is up to the challenge. “I’ve been playing [cricket] for a long time and can withstand this kind of pressure,” he added, when asked about replacing the Essequibian.
“I just need to go out there and deliver for my team, and I am in good shape since I’ve been working with the academy coaches as a standby,” the Berbician noted.
The Jaguars, in their quest for their first fifty overs title in over a decade, will surely miss the services of Paul. Nevertheless, his replacement is an experienced campaigner, whose primary role will be to deliver early strikes with the new ball. Wintz is also very capable of adding valuable lower order runs.
To date, he has represented Guyana in 21 List A matches, taking 34 wickets, with a best return of 3-15, at the decent average of 20.
