Defending Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional 4-Day champs Guyana Jaguars concluded their successful three-day match simulation yesterday at the Everest Cricket Club Ground.
The players got a complete workout over the last three days as preparations heat up ahead of the upcoming season which bowls off with opening rounds early in November.
Organized for the purpose of coaches and selectors to assess the current level of form and fitness of the players, the exercise could be hailed as promising especially with the first four day practice match scheduled to bowl off next week at Everest.
Most, if not all the cricketers, both senior and academy, had good outings as they used the simulation as warm up for the practice game. It also provided a great opportunity for some of the younger cricketers to make cases for selection, especially with a few of the premier Jaguars currently on West Indies duty.
Among the standout performers on Tuesday’s first day; left-hander Chandrapaul Hemraj continued his magical form from the Jaguars Franchise League (JFL) 3-Day competition where he finished as the top run-scorer with 542 runs. His unbeaten 102 further helped him to press a strong case for a national comeback, while the veteran Shiv Chanderpaul helped teach some patience to the youngsters by grafting a smooth 30.
Openers, left-hander Robin Bacchus and Kandasammy Surujnarine who have both been in good form ever since the JFL 3-Dayers scored 30 and 29 respectively, adding impetus to the A Team’s 192-3.
Senior all-rounder Chris Barnwell and former youth Under-19 player Romario Shepherd who are expected to play key roles this season, bowled several good overs and were rewarded with a wicket each.
Opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, another prolific scorer in the JFL 3-Day competition scored an unbeaten 28, and the more aggressive Kevon Boodie added 28, while spinner Steven Sankar also struck some match form ahead of the practice game with figures 2-9.
Jaguars Head Coach Esuan Crandon during an interview with Stabroek Sport following the first day of simulation, stressed that it was important to see where the players were heading into a season, thus the reason for the simulation, especially with teams to be selected for the practice match.
With Guyana defending the title for the third consecutive season, it will be important for the current batch of players to hit top gear quickly, and the simulation seemed to have opened their appetites ahead of next week’s assignment.
