A devastating debut spell of six for 55 against the Leeward Islands Volcanoes at the Providence National Stadium at the start of the West Indies Championships catapulted Nial Smith to being one of the top names among fast bowlers in Guyana.
After the season ended, the 24-year-old finished with 21 wickets, enough to secure a contract with the Guyana Jaguars for next season.
Stabroek Sports caught up with the newest addition to the South American franchise and he shared his sentiments on this new stage of his career.
The fast bowler told this publication, “It’s an opportunity now for you to make a living off of cricket and I now see this as my job so I’m willing to do what it takes,” he declared.
The aim, he said, is to keep up the good work.
“Well, I’m really thankful. First of all thanks to the Almighty for answering all my prayers,” an excited Smith said adding, “I’ll do my best to keep up the good work and keep trying to retain a spot in the Jaguars franchise.”
Smith, who plays for Tucber Park Cricket Club, shot under the radar of the selectors having led Lower Corentyne to the Cricket Guy Inc. Jaguars 50-over title with a 16-wicket tournament haul inclusive of one five-wicket haul and two four-wicket hauls.
Despite not having an Academy contract, which is often regarded as a feeder programme to the Jaguars’ franchise, Smith was called up to boost the seam attack in the absence of Romario Shepherd, Clinton Pestano and Keemo Paul.
After an exceptional outing, Smith noted “Last season with the Jaguars I would say it was a great experience for me and as you go along you continue to learn about the game even more and I’m looking forward to learning some more.”
Despite finishing as the leading fast bowler for Guyana, Smith says he felt he could have done better.
“I still feel I could have done a bit better last season. Maybe I wasn’t as strong enough or fit enough but I’m hoping to get to that point by next season and be as ready as possible.
The Berbician said that representing Guyana means a lot to him.
“Playing for Guyana means everything to me since from my younger days playing with the under-15s through to under-19s I’ve always wanted to push and play senior cricket as well so it means a lot representing yourself country at the highest level,” he said.
However, this isn’t the final stop for the son of former Guyana coach, Albert Smith, who believes this is just a stepping stone.
He pledges to continue pushing his way to one day don the West Indies uniform.
But with the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic forcing cricket to a halt, Smith was been forced to transition to unique training methods in order to maintain his fitness.
“We haven’t had any cricket since last season but I do get some training however I can in and I take it a lot more seriously than before,” Smith said.
He explained, “Well it’s a bit tough but I’m working anyway that I can to stay fit but I hope this will all be over soon so I could get up back on the field and up and running again.”
