Clash of the table-toppers Jags look to home advantage in first Day/Night match

- Bramble

On the eve of the first Day/Night Pink Ball match at Providence, in the Digicel Professional Cricket League (PCL) 4-Day tourney, Guyana Jaguars wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble said the table leaders will be seeking to make full use of their familiar home conditions against opponents Barbados Pride.

This evening’s encounter is a clash of old rivals, current tournament table-toppers and two star-studded teams littered with a number of West Indies Test players who have been in good touch as of late.

Guyana sit in the number one spot with 33.6 points while the Pride (33.4), are closely on their trail after the first three rounds. In an interview with Stabroek Sport yesterday, following the Jags final practice session, Bramble said that it was vital for the two-time champs to play aggressive cricket and use their vast knowledge of Providence in order to keep their top spot.

“It’s an important game [today] for Guyana, It’s a top-of-the-table clash and Guyana have the advantage playing at home. We know the conditions at the stadium because it’s where we play most of the time,” observed Bramble.

Bramble, Guyana’s premier wicket-keeper got off to a decent start this season, scoring 125 runs, with a highest score of 58. Behind the stumps, the ex-Guyana Under-19 player has taken seven catches and executed four stumpings to date.

His previous experience,batting and keeping to the Pink Ball under lights in the third round will be beneficial going forward, and he’s backing himself to deliver for his team over the remainder of the competition. “So far, my wicket-keeping is good and I want to continue keeping well because over the years I worked very hard on it. Batting under the lights, it’s a bit difficult to pick up the length and speed of a delivery, but still as a batsman you have to back yourself to go out and get the job done for your team”.

While Guyana has had heated battles with the Bajans over the years, the most hurtful memory would be the lost by two runs when chasing 70 odd in the third round of the 2014 PCL.

That horrific loss was also the last time Guyana lost a game in two seasons until they were upset by the Leewards Hurricanes a few weeks ago in round two.

Speaking on the deep history between Guyana and Barbados over recent times, the right-hander was optimistic about the Jags giving a good account of themselves and securing the much needed win over the Bajans on home turf.

“Winning this game would be great for Guyana, because over the years there has been some close games with Barbados and I would love to see my team come out as the winner over the next few days”.

While Guyana have only made one notable change by swapping seaming all-rounder Romario Shepherd for the off-spinner Eon Hooper, the Pride will be bolstered by the return of their top players including Kraigg Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Shane Dowrich, Shai Hope,and Carlos Brathwaite.

However, the 25 year-old Berbician was nevertheless upbeat about his team’s chances against a strong Barbados team, adding that sticking to the script will continue to pay off for the Jags once they execute the necessary plans discussed.

“We had some good sessions over the past three days, we’ve been trying to do the things we want to do in the match, so we put them into practice. Everyone is ready for the challenges ahead, so we just have to go out there and play the way we know to play”, he concluded.

Today’s action is scheduled to bowl off from 15:00hrs.

Guyana Jaguars : Leon Johnson (captain), Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rajendra Chandrika, Shimron Hetmyer, Eon Hooper, Keon Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Raymon Reifer, Vishaul Singh

IN-Hooper, OUT-Romario Shepherd

Barbados Pride: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Anthony Alleyne, Shamarh Brooks, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Omar Phillips, Ashley Nurse, Kemar Roach, Kevin Stoute, Jomel Warrican.

IN-Brathwaite, Carter, Dowrich, Hope, Nurse.

OUT-Nikolai Jones, Kevin Rampersaud, Charles, Aaron McClean, Mario Kenroy Williams

Shannon

Crawford,

UMPIRES: Peter Nero

MATCH REFEREE: Stuart RESERVE UMPIRE: Moakan

Colin Imran