Once again, the Guyana Harpy Eagles find themselves grappling with batting inconsistencies, a predicament that has become all too familiar despite the notable names adorning their lineup.
Among these, Shimron Hetmyer, often hailed as the linchpin of the team’s batting, has failed to live up to expectations in the ongoing CG United Regional Super50 tournament currently underway in Trinidad and Tobago.
The statistics paint a stark picture of Hetmyer’s struggles and the name of the tournament – Super50 – might be misleading as Hetmyer is yet to score a half century so far.
In fact after four innings, he has barely passed 50, scoring a mere 59 runs, an average of 14.75, and a strike rate of 84.
These numbers are far from what one would expect from a player of his caliber, one who is expected to shoulder the team’s batting but who is being carried by the Rutherfords, the Imlachs and the Sinclairs to name a few. The left-handed stroke maker, known for his aggressive yet elegant style, seems to have lost his way in the batting department.
Comparisons with his recent international and Super50 performances only put emphasis on the issue.
In his last international duty, Hetmyer managed 126 runs from seven innings. Even in the previous Regional Super50, he posted a more respectable 176 runs from six innings at an average of 29, not the average one would expected from such a talent.
Glancing back to the 2020/2021 season, where Hetmyer showcased his prowess by amassing 300 runs in seven innings at an impressive average of 50, including a century, one thing is clear, Hetmyer has the talent. Whether he still has the hunger, the temperament and the discipline, is debatable.
The question that looms is whether he is currently grappling with a lack of motivation or confidence or both or whether his focus is elsewhere.
In such a scenario, the Guyana Harpy Eagles must consider making tough decisions for the betterment of the team. Dropping a player of Hetmyer’s calibre is never an easy choice, but the team’s success should be prioritized over individual reputations. It’s a delicate balance between loyalty and performance.
One potential solution could be to reevaluate Hetmyer’s batting position. Shifting him down the order to a role where he feels more comfortable might alleviate the pressure and allow him to rediscover his form. This strategic move could also open up opportunities for other batsmen to take on more prominent roles in the crucial top-order positions.
Cricket is as much a mental game as it is physical, and a change in position might be the catalyst Hetmyer needs to reignite his spark. Moreover, it will send a clear message that performance is the ultimate criterion for selection, fostering a healthy competitive spirit within the team.
In List A cricket, the former West Indies Youth captain has featured in 82 matches. He has scored 2474 runs with a best of 139 and an average of 33.4. Hetmyer also has seven hundreds under his belt, five of which are at the international level and 10 half-centuries.
The Guyana Harpy Eagles cannot afford to linger in the hope that Hetmyer’s form will magically return. If the current trend persists, the team management must be decisive in their actions. Whether it’s dropping him temporarily or reshuffling the batting order, the focus should be on restoring balance and consistency to the team’s performance. The Regional Super50 is a stage where every player must contribute, and if Hetmyer cannot, then the team deserves the chance to explore other options. This holds true for all the other batsmen who are not performing. But Hetmyer is the team’s best batsman and he should start batting as if he is.
