Former national Under-19 quick, Joshua Jones has benefited extensively since being part of the Guyana Jaguars training contingent.
The Essequibo pacer, in the last three months prior to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, had been a consistent feature in the South American side’s net session, giving batsmen trouble while working on his overall game.
The Guyana Defence Soldier told Stabroek Sport, “About three months now I’ve been around the team training and I’ve seen a great improvement in my overall game.”
The hefty 20-year-old credited the coaches, Esaun Crandon and Julian Moore, who also coached him at the under-19 level for their contributions in his development.
“For the short time I’ve been around, the coaches have been working very hard with me and I think there is a noticeable difference in my game,” Jones said.
He explained that he has been able to generate more pace and fix his run up, which has also been coupled with a more consistent area and ultimately improved his bowling by “90 percent.”
Jones, who was part of Essequibo Franchise that won both Cricket Guy Inc., 50 overs and three-day titles admitted that he has struggled with fitness over the years, but with the season coming to an end and his time in the army, he has put in a lot of work in this area.
“Right now it’s offseason, no cricket, but I will be working very hard on my fitness because that is my weak area and hopefully when the season starts back, I’ll be fit and ready to bring the fire,” he said.
While Jones has a less than an ideal season in the Franchise League last year, he is positive that an exceptional tournament can lead to him being enlisted into the Jaguars academy and boost his chances of representing Guyana at the senior level.
Jones, who holds the record in the Inter-Services championship after throwing the Discus 48.7 meters while placing second in the Shot Put, has also represented Guyana in the 2016 CARIFTA Games where he placed fourth among 43 competitors in the Boys Under-18 Discus.
