Guyana set to defend Regional U-19 50-over title in Jamaica

Jul 17, 2015 Sports

Sherfene Rutherford in the
nets during a practice session
at the Chetram Singh Centre
of Excellence Indoor Facility.

Travis Persaud

By Zaheer Mohamed

The National Under-19 team is currently preparing to defend its regional 50-over title later this month in Jamaica.
The players are presently encamped under Coaches Michael Hyles Franco and Adrian Amsterdam at the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence.
However Guyana will not be able to defend its three-day crown since the West Indies Cricket Board has surprisingly chosen not to play this version. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday, Coach Amsterdam said he is confident the team will be successful.
He added that preparations has been somewhat affected by the weather but is satisfied with the progress of the players, stating that a lot of emphasis has been placed on the mental and physical aspects.
“Although we have a talented team we will not take our opponents for granted. A lot is expected from Shimron Hetymer, Keemo Paul, Balchand

Adrian Amsterdam

Baldeo and Ronlado Mohamed; these players were instrumental in our double success last year.”
The coach pointed out that running between the wickets, fielding and building partnerships in the middle are key areas while stating his satisfaction with the fitness levels of the players, noting that

A lot is expected
from all-rounder
Keemo Paul

there is always room for improvement.
Amsterdam explained that the players are upbeat and are willing to work hard for success. “One of the main features of the team is that our fast bowlers are middle order batsmen and once they play as a unit and to their potential, we will be difficult to beat”, he said.
Captain Travis Persaud, like Amsterdam believes the players have the ability to succeed in Jamaica. He said they are gelling nicely adding that he expects support from the senior players, Hetymer and Paul.
“One of the keys will be to acclimatize quickly because it’s a short tournament,” he noted, adding that ninety percent of the game is played above the shoulders.
The team is expected to depart on Monday and will take on the host in their first game on July 22 at Manchester.
The full squad reads: Travis Persaud (Captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Tevin Imlach, Parmesh Parsotam, Balchan Baldeo, Keemo Paul, Sherfene Rutherford, Ronaldo Mohamed, Parmanand Ramdhan, Kassim Khan, Nathan Persaud, Akenie Adams, Grisean Grant and Akshaya Persaud. Coach is Adrian Amsterdam and Manager, David Black.