A sense of great anticipation was birthed when Guyanese duo Kevlon Anderson and Ashmead Nedd departed Guyana to join their Caribbean counterparts to contest the 2020 ICC under – 19 World Cup in South Africa.
For those who followed the duo’s careers, glimpses of brilliance were certainly abundant, displayed both locally and on the regional stage by Anderson – an elegant right-handed batsman – and Nedd, a crafty and clever left-arm spinner.
For many like myself, the hope for the duo to record similar performances at the ongoing ICC showpiece event brought a sense of anxiety. Who doesn’t like it when talented players show up? I certainly don’t mind. And it didn’t take long for Anderson to make his mark; he struck an unbeaten century (101) against Scotland in Windies’ warm-up match.
Nedd too had his say by capturing 2-39 as West Indies trounced the Scott’s by 126 runs in the warm-up fixture.
Fast forward to the opening match against Australia, the Guyanese had little impact in the historic win over Australia – West Indies had never beaten the Aussies in ICC under – 19 WC history.
Nevertheless, as West Indies turned their attention to England – a familiar foe who had the wood over them in the tri-nation series late last year – a great deal of nervousness unfolded.
West Indies nonetheless got by just fine and defeated the ‘Poms’ by 71 to record their second win of the tournament. Enterprising all-rounder Nayeem Young headlined the win after striking a brisk half-century (66) and followed that up by picking up 5-45.
Anderson played a crucial hand in setting up the win, ending unbeaten on 86, a knock which tested his temperament and technique. He received high praise from former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop who was impressed with his knock.
“He played with patience and diligence and secured much of the innings,” Bishop said during commentary while the highly-rated former England coach and Zimbabwe great Andy Flower was also mindful of Anderson’s touch.
Nedd, on the other hand, backed up Young’s five for with figure of 2-35 from his ten overs. He trapped the highly-rated duo in Jordan Cox (20) and Tom Clarke (38) in his fine spell.
Nedd and Anderson now have the opportunity to add to their impressive outing against minnows Nigeria in today’s fixture.
Meanwhile, national under – 19 coach Julian Moore who has been an integral part of both player’s development sees no reason why the Guyanese duo shouldn’t continue their impressive run.
“Yes, I think they’re both doing pretty well so far,” Moore told Stabroek Sport.
“Nedd has been steady with the ball and Kevlon has proven to be the backbone of the batting. It’s just for them now to build on those performances as the tournament gets to the tougher stages. I’m backing them to get the job done.”
Moore further explained that plans are already in place to guide the development of the talented youngsters including their transition into the Jaguars set up.
“From a Guyana perspective, they’re already a part of our senior academy for the past six months or so. These are two of the young players we’ve earmarked to move into the senior national side at some point.
“It’s for us, upon their return, to continue the process of aiding their development and facilitating that transition into the senior cricket. The academy set up has a hard-working and competitive environment, so I’m sure they’ll benefit tremendously.”
