Newbies to the Guyana Jaguars for Professional Cricket League, Kevin Sinclair and Nial Smith will look to capitalize on the opportunity and cement their place with good performances.
Sinclair, 20, told Stabroek Sport in an exclusive interview his childhood dream of playing for Guyana is almost a reality.
“It is always a great feeling to make the senior team, it is one of my dreams coming through from the under-19s and just looking for an opportunity to be a part of the set up and this year I’ve been given the chance and I’m grateful to be part of the team,” he said.
Sinclair reckoned that he is not one to set goals but pointed out, “I don’t go out there and pressure myself I just stick to my brand of cricket meaning when the opportunity comes take it, remain patient and do the best I can.
The all-rounder had made his List A debut when he turned out for the eventual champions, West Indies Emerging Players in the Regional Super50 and finished as the most economical bowler. In the Jaguars’ two warm up matches he was just one of five batsmen to score a half century or more.
Sinclair indicated that the preparation he has been provided during his club career, Cricket Guy Inc Academy and with the Management of the Emerging Players has served well.
“I must say it was good preparation, coach [Floyd] Reifer and the management staff worked with me and my all round game so coming and score a fifty and putting the hard work back in the field then come in the practice game and execute,” he said.
Sinclair noted that he continues to work on improving his trade as an all-rounder with the likes of West Indies leg-spinner, Devendra Bishoo and all-rounder, Raymon Reifer as integral to his development.
“I know most of the guys, Bishoo has been helping me with my bowling, Reifer and the guys just keep pep-taking me with my batting so it is just a matter of learning from the seniors and that would help my career,” he stated.
Similar to Sinclair, 24-year-old pacer, Nial Smith, who made his List A debut in the Super50 for Jaguars has been thrown into the lion’s den with sights on making an impact early.
“It is a great feeling to get the opportunity… I am looking to cement my position and do well, just taking it game by game,” he said.
While he only played a few games in the Super50, Smith opined that the Four-Day format will provide a better opportunity for him to “get it right.”
“The super50 thought me there isn’t much room for mistakes, you just got to go out there and get it right soon as you are there but I think this four day you will get away with a lot of wide balls and so which gives you a chance to get yourself in and get it right,” he stated.
Cognizant of the pressures for a place in the side, Smith admitted the squad could be different after the first round and “depends how well I bowl in the first game will determine the rest of my tournament.”
With Clinton Pestano, Romario Shepherd and Keemo Paul not available, the newbie will have to hit the ground running alongside West Indies ‘A’ seamer, Keon Joseph to spearhead the attack.
On that point, Smith indicated, “Yea well that’s motivation to get you off, if you get the opportunity in the first game to get it right and just show everyone why I’ve been selected.”
Smith expounded, “I’ve been working very hard consistently, to get at this level it takes a lot of hard training, I’ve been working day and night so now I finally get the call up I’ve been waiting for and its now to go out there and prove myself.”
Jaguars will fly out on Monday to Antigua where they will open their five-time consecutive title defense against Leeward Islands Volcanoes from January 9-12.
Guyana Jaguars squad: Leon Johnson (captain), Nial Smith, Kevin Sinclar, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Vishaul Singh, Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Raymon Reifer, Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Tevin Imlach, Keon Joseph, Esaun Crandon (Head Coach), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (Assistant Coach), Neil Barry jr. (Physiotherapist)
