Warriors looking to continue winning ways against Tallawahs

Martin Guptill, the Guyana Amazon Warriors Captain said he’s expecting a keen contest against the Jamaica Tallawahs tonight and believes that his team can continue their winning ways during the next few rounds of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) played on home soil at Providence National Stadium, Guyana.

Guyana, who are unbeaten so far in the competition winning both of their matches will play the former champs in the first of four home games tonight and the New Zealand opener during the press conference yesterday, said the home team will be looking to carry on the momentum and win their home games.

“It’s a good mood in the camp and the guys have played some very good cricket in the first two games and we will look to carry that into tomorrow night. We are expecting a tough game from Jamaica, they’re a quality side with have some top players in their ranks, we just have to take time to enjoy the atmosphere and bat and bowl properly,” said Guptill.

Guyana Amazon Warriors head coach Roger Harper and Captain Martin Guptill during yesterday’s press conference
Guyana Amazon Warriors head coach Roger Harper and Captain Martin Guptill during yesterday’s press conference

When asked about possible contingency plans to stop the Tallawahs

rampaging skipper Chris Gayle who is fresh off a brutal hundred against the Trinbago Knight Riders, the right-hander said: “We looked

at how Trinidad bowled and we will try to do the opposite, we have some plans in place we are going to practice and try to put in place for tomorrow.”

Guptill also admitted that it was important for him and Dwayne Smith to lay a good platform for their remaining batters during the first six overs of the power play. He also said it was crucial to receive advice he has been getting from players like Chris Lynn and Rayad Emrit who are experienced captains in their respective countries.

Meanwhile, Head Coach Roger Harper said that despite a good start to the competition, a few areas can still see some improvements being made but he nevertheless praised his players for their camaraderie which he said will play a big role as the competition progresses.

Tallawahs bowling coach (left) Donovan Miller and batsman Rovman Powell (right)
Tallawahs bowling coach (left) Donovan Miller and batsman Rovman Powell (right)

“We did well winning the two games but they’re a few things we can work on; Jamaica has proven to be tough opposition over the years but we know what to expect. Good teams perform better than individual players and we have good players but if we work as a team we can be better. We look strong on paper but we’re working hard to build the team spirit which is very, very good at the moment”.

From the Tallawahs perspective, newbie batsman Rovman Powell admitted during the team’s media press conference that it was important for the visitors to keep their momentum just like the home team will try to do. He noted that the clash will be an electric one as both sides will look to continue their unbeaten run.

The 22-year-old Jamaican lauded the presence of Sri Lankan wicket-keeper/batsman Kumar Sangakarra who he said is more than a player but more of a mentor to the young players. Powell, who made his CPL debut this year also believed that in order for his team to remain successful, they must not depend solely on Gayle, rather the likes of Sangakarra, Shakib Al Hasan as well as himself can put their hands up in a winning cause.

Tonight’s match starts at 19:00hrs.