Batting main reason for Guyana not winning CWI Regional U-17 title

Jul 23, 2018 Sports

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By Zaheer Mohamed
The ability to remain calm when under pressure, stick to game plan, get the basics right and execute on the day, are some important ingredients of a successful team.

Guyana recovered from a nervous start and managed the aforementioned well from the second to the fourth round, but fell at the final hurdle at the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional U17 50-over tournament which concluded recently in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Guyanese entered the fifth and final round leading the points table on 19.2, while their closest rival Barbados on 14.2 and a win would have handed the South Americans their maiden title at this level. However, their batting did not deliver on a decent pitch as they managed 186, their second highest score of the tournament behind their 225 made against Windward Islands. Barbados lost four wickets in overhauling their target.
Most of Guyana’s batsmen failed to carry on after getting good starts mainly due to a lapse in concentration, and as the players look to achieve success at higher levels they must appreciate the fact that cricket is played 70% above the shoulders. Certainly a camp prior to the tournament would have made a difference in their approach to take into consideration the lengthy break following the inter-county tournament.
Sachin Singh and Seon Glasgow were the only local batsmen that got half centuries, while Leon Swamy tried his best, scoring a crucial 40 odd against Leeward Islands; he showed the determination to do well and should have batted a bit earlier.
The middle order was below par and the selectors should bear some responsibility for not selecting enough batsmen since there were three bowlers on the bench. Had batsmen Marvan Prashad, Mavindra Dindyal, Lance Roberts or Ameer Singh been selected it would have given Guyana a better chance to win the title since batting was a major problem. Some batsmen performed badly and the management would have had other options, but instead they had limited resources in this area and had to persist with those not performing.
Guyana’s bowling and fielding did well following the opening round and definitely their bowling was one of the better attacks in the tournament, restricting teams for gettable totals, but somehow they surprised everyone in the final game with their inconsistency. Some at the venue described it ‘that was not Guyana team’.
Nevertheless, with the right guidance especially at the club level these players can develop and attain success in their careers, but they must know what it means to represent their country and must be prepared at all times. Waiting on coaches to host sessions is just not good enough; they must to do their homework.

The tournament concluded with a lavish ceremony at the National Aquatic Centre in Balmain, Couva.
Speaking at the ceremony, Manager of the Guyana team Nazeer Mohamed said the tournament was played in good spirits and had some excellent performances which show that West Indies cricket is in good hands down the line. He urged the players to continue working on their game, stay focused and take their education seriously since in this modern age sports and education go hand in hand.
“I would like to thank the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) for hosting a wonderful tournament and it is from this competition the Regional U19 World Cup squad is being selected,” he posited. Mohamed expressed gratitude to all who contributed towards the success of the tournament including the match officials and CEO acting of TTCB Doodnauth Ramkissoon and Nawshad Mohammed.
Director of Physical Education and Sport of the Twin Island Republic, Patrice Charles, thanked the CWI and TTCB for their tremendous effort in hosting a successful tournament.
“Sports and Education is a testament of the caliber of persons involved in coordinating this tournament. I understand the pivotal and critical roles sports play in youth development and look forward to its continued success. By participating in sports young person’s can develop mental, physical and social skills that will carry them throughout their life. Our youths need sports like cricket to give them a sense of focus and purpose which will development them into strong and confident leaders.”
“The only person that could limit you is you and I quote America athlete Jackie Joyner Kersey who said ‘age is no barrier, it is a limitation you put on your mind and the only limitation you have is the limitation what you put on yourself’,” he reminded the youths.
Charles stated that the CWI U17 tournament has over the years laid a foundation for many young cricketers whose aim is to move ahead and excel in the sport. “Many of our local athletes who have played here before have reached international status and I am sure many of you will achieve similar success. It is undeniable this tournament will promote regional integration, social and economic perspective which will unite us as a Caribbean nation.”
President of the TTCB Azim Bassarath said that it is a privilege for them to host the tournament which was a success, adding that there was some competitive cricket despite the unpredictable weather. “In the end we have much to be pleased about as we close another memorable chapter of regional cricket.
“Despite the many challenges the TTCB posses the human resources necessary to handle a tournament of this magnitude. Each age group tournament presents an opportunity for the players to develop their skills for they are the most important group of cricketers in the region.”
“The future of West Indies is well represented, having graduated from these tournaments you will look to transfer your success to the test, One Day International and T20 arena and place West Indies cricket back on top of the international ladder,” he lamented.
“As we have seen recently the Region continues to produce cricketers of a very fine caliber from Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean. Every territory has an undisputed claim to a rich legacy of producing stars who have brightened the world’s stage so there is no barrier for you to replicate the glory of yesteryear and bring pride and glory to the Region as you strive to make a lifelong career in cricket.”
Dario Barthley, project officer of CWI, urged the players to keep working on their game and said the tournament will go from strength to strength. He thanked the TTCB, all others involved in the tournament as well as parents present.

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