West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President’s XI Captain Leon Johnson said beating the Indians in the upcoming two-day practice matches could do wonders for his team, adding that it will also be good to put the visitors under pressure ahead of the Test series.
The Guyana Jaguars skipper, who led his country to back-to-back Regional four-dDay titles, told Stabroek Sport yesterday during an exclusive interview, that from both a personal and team perspective, beating India is critcial going forward.
The left-hander, who played four Tests and six One Day Internationals (ODI) ended as the highest run-scorer for the 2015/16 Professional Cricket League Four Day tournament with 807 runs inclusive of two centuries and five fifties.
He yesterday admitted that his role over the next few days was to continue being a proactive leader while maintaining his rich batting form.
“It’s very important to score runs and spend time at the crease in the practice games coming up. Due to the weather in Guyana I haven’t had the opportunity to play matches after the Regional season, it’s just been net sessions, so its important that I get time in the middle.”
Johnson, along a few of his teammates, Vishaul Singh in particular, were among the highest run-scorers in the Regional 4-Day competition and the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) player was certain that if he as well as his teammates perform well against a world class Indian side, then the rewards could be great.
“After a strong domestic season, scoring runs will definitely enhance my chances of selection into the Test squad. It would be nice to win the games and put the Indians under pressure before the series begins, but its also important that players who are on the fringe be given opportunities to perform”.
Apart from Johnson, Singh, Rajendra Chandrika and debutant pacer Keon Joseph are the Guyanese players in the 12-man team. Former National pacer and Guyana Jaguars Assistant Coach/Manager Rayon Griffith will perform similar management roles with the WICB XI.
The former West Indies U19 skipper hailed the efforts of his teammates and Coach who he said deserved the opportunity. “It’s good to see my teammates being rewarded for their efforts.
“I know the kind of work they put in and it pleasing that they have gotten the opportunity to play for the President’s XI. Grif (Griffith) has been an important part of Guyana’s back-to-back championships so his appointment as manager/coach is very deserving”, said Johnson.
The Guyanese contigent of players winged out yesterday for St Kitts where they play the Indians in the first of two practice games bowling off on Saturday July 9-10 and the second from 14-16, with the first Test being played from July 21 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua.
WICB President’s XI SQUAD-Leon Johnson (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Rajendra Chandrika, Rolston Chase, Jason Dawes, Shane Dowrich, Shai Hope, Damion Jacobs, Keon Joseph, Marquino Mindley, Vishaul Singh and Jomel Warrican. Henderson Springer (Coach), Rayon Griffith (Manager/Coach).
