Right on time!
Mansingh recovers from shoulder injuries to secure spot on Scorpions team
AFTER earning his first call-up to the Jamaica Scorpions squad, Abhijai Mansingh says he won’t be resting on his laurels as he looks to showcase his all-round qualities in the regional four-day cricket competition.
The Scorpions, who are scheduled to depart for Antigua on Sunday, are to open their account on February 1 against home team Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Coolidge Cricket Ground.
Mansingh, the 25-year-old batsman, also regarded as a talented wrist-spinner, told the Jamaica Observer that years of biding his time have contributed to his growth as a player and primed him for the upcoming challenges.
“It’s a great feeling but I’m focused on the task at hand now. There have been years of hard work that has led to me to this point,” said Mansingh who has featured at the regional senior level in 50-over cricket for Combined Campuses and Colleges after debuting in 2019.
“We would all love things to happen earlier in our lives but I think the timing right now is perfect as I have developed both personally and on the field to a point where I am now ready to give a good account of myself,” he explained.
He added that recovering from injury to both shoulders have only served to toughen his resolve.
“Just 12 months ago I had my second shoulder surgery and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to play again, so to be here now is a great feeling,” he said.
Mansingh said his time with Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League Twenty20 has also been significant.
“Being with the Tallawahs for the past two years has been a great learning experience for me. It has helped me to gear my game towards what is required at the international level, which has helped me to reach this point,” he noted During the recent Jamaica Scorpions trial matches, Mansingh grabbed the selectors’ attention while scoring two half-centuries, including a top score of 68 not out, and best innings figures of 3-50.
He is confident he is entering the four-day season on solid footing.
“Both departments are in a good place right now. I pride myself off being a genuine all-rounder. I’m going into the tournament with a couple of half-centuries to my name and in good bowling form,” the all-rounder said.
Following the clash against the Hurricanes, the Andrew Richardson-coached Scorpions will turn attention to the contest versus back-to-back reigning champions Barbados Pride, which is set to start February 8.
Squad — Paul Palmer (captain), Leroy Lugg, Kirk Mckenzie, Alwyn Williams, Aldaine Thomas, Romaine Morris, Jamie Merchant, Akim Fraser, Abhijai Mansingh, Patrick Harty, Marquino Mindley, Gordon Bryan, Ojay Shields