Foo relishes new lease on career

Johnathan Foo, who was recently recalled to the Guyana team following a four-year absence yesterday said that his aim is to ensure he remains a permanent figure in the side adding that he strongly believes that the Guyana Jaguars will do well in the 2015 NAGICO Regional Super50 tournament.

Foo last played for the Guyana One-Day side in the 2011 Regional Super50 semi-finals against Trindad in October at the Providence National Stadium making eight.

“I’m very happy to play back for my country. I was training hard over the years that I have been out so I plan to grab this opportunity with both hands and I hope that we (Guyana Jaguars) can win the 2015 Super 50 tournament,” he told Stabroek Sports yesterday.

Johnathan Foo is raring and ready to go, given his new lease in cricket for Guyana
Johnathan Foo is raring and ready to go, given his new lease in cricket for Guyana

“I would like to be a permanent member of the team. Making the team is good but staying there is the challenge,” said an elated Foo who was concise but firm during his interview.

The 24-year-old, who made his debut back in 2011 against the Windward Islands, said that readjusting to being back around the national set up was something he had to do. “It felt strange being around the team but now I’m back I have adapted to everyone,” said Foo.

According to the Berbician, his role will be to contribute to a winning cause for the betterment of the Jaguars.

“I’m not only a T20 batsman. I’m a batsman in general and I’m ready to play any role they (team) want me to play.”

The pugnacious right-hander also said that he…“Would also like to have a bowl,” as he could be called upon to provide some part-time leg-break.

After smashing his way on the scene with a brutal 17-ball 42 against Barbados in the final of the inaugural Caribbean T20 tournament in 2010, Foo has endured scrutiny as a “Shahid Afridi” type batsman (unpredictable) who can turn up and win a game or can shoot himself in the foot.

Last year he played against Trinidad at the Queen’s Park Oval in a match of the Caribbean T20 competition and was unbeaten on 10 as Guyana lost by some 80 runs.

However, good showings in the 2014 senior Inter-County competition where he scored his maiden century among other good performances with the bat and ball have led to the Berbice-born player to making a strong case for himself and a chance at a new lease on his career.