Romario Shepherd, the fledgling Guyana Jaguars all-rounder said he’s happy to be a part of the team ahead of the upcoming season and hopes that he can play a role when the reigning two-time Regional 4-Day champs prepare to defend their title.
The former Guyana Under-17 and Under-19 player during his first interview since receiving his professional player contract a few months ago, told Stabroek Sport yesterday that being a part of the academy has done a lot for his game thus far, in his bid to cement a place in the side as one of the front-line all-rounders.
“It’s amazing to be a part of any Guyana team, you pretty much have to work hard and train while staying fit”, said the 21 year-old who stressed that fitness plays a huge role in his career and credits the academy for helping young players like himself to develop.
“I worked hard on my technique, coach (Esau) Crandon has helped me as a bowler and things are fitting in. I’m working hard at my game and once you’re fit everything will come off when you come to play”.
A strongly built youngster who has been one of the top players locally over the years, Shepherd idolizes fast-bowlers Dale Steyn and Mitchell Starc, world class wicket takers under all conditions. He spends a lot of personal time watching video of their technique and approach to the art of fast bowling, noting that he isn’t depending solely on the coaches’ knowledge base.
Regarding the slow nature of the Caribbean pitches, the Berbician explained that as a bowler it is important to be able to adapt your game wherever you play.
“The nature of the pitch is out of your control, so I don’t think we should be complaining about it because adjusting and learning fast on the different surfaces helps you to be a better player”, stated the pacer.
Shepherd who snared 3-37 against the Leewards in January this year on his senior debut for the Jaguars, in the NAGICO Regional Super 50 tournament, said he was happy to shake the newbie nerves and settle in so he can produce more match-winning performances for his team in the future.
“It’s a good feeling to contribute to any winning team, it puts a lot of pressure coming in as a new guy because my first match the nerves was playing on my mind when I bowled my first over, but as I got into my strides it paid off eventually”.
With the Jaguars preparing to defend their Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional 4-day title in a few months, Shepherd pointed out that it would mean a whole lot if he’s selected in the team this season, adding that his time with the academy coaches and senior players has only increased his hunger.
“I really like the 4-day format, I want to play so I hope everything works out and I get selected because the coaches always tell us to work hard and win is the goal in the academy. This is the only academy which runs all year round and the coaches really try to push us to work hard and be successful, without over pushing us”.
“Coach (Rayon) Griffith said the bowlers need to know how to bat and working with them helped me improve a lot as a batsman because you have to know what you want and not get carried away”, he continued.
The right-arm pacer said his aim this season apart from cementing a spot in the side is basically to improve his skills and become a genuine all-rounder. “Performance-wise, getting wickets for me is the most important thing, it’s in my head, when I go out there it’s just to bowl as good as possible and seize the opportunity when it comes up”, he finished.
