Lead Coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Rayon Griffith has pinpointed a trio of bowlers as the main standouts in this year’s Caribbean Premier League.
While Guyana was eliminated in the semi-final, the coach told Stabroek Sport in an exclusive interview that Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith and Gudakesh Motie did well.
Fast bowlers, Shepherd and Smith both ended with 18 wickets each, only behind Trinbago Knight Riders’ Ravi Rampaul in the wickets’ column. However, both their averages and economy rate were superior to Rampaul’s.
Left-arm spinner Motie picked up eight wickets from six innings including a best of 3-25.
“The positives, knowing sometimes when we lost a game players came back and showed their grit and fighting spirit especially Romario Shepherd, he was really outstanding in terms of his performance. In his heart he played for his country and showed he is a true warrior and a true fighter,” Griffith explained.
He added, “Odean Smith, he played well in terms of his bowling. He has been bowling with some pace and aggression and even sometimes with the bat he showed some skill as well. Gudakesh Motie had some opportunities and I think he put his hands up and grabbed it. I think those three players showed more consistency.”
The lead coach also pointed out Shimron Hetmyer’s batting display in the semi-final as another highlight.
Meanwhile, Griffith revealed skipper Nicholas Pooran’s first stint as captain was something to admire.
He stated, “Pooran’s leadership was good, he played with passion and you could see he was hungry. He has good ambition and he wants to go far as a leader. His presence in the team meetings and trying to get players on board was something to admire.”
Overall, Griffith, in his first role as lead coach of the side noted, “The experience was good despite we didn’t make it to the final but those things will make us better and stronger going forward. More importantly, we tried to keep the team together so they can express themselves. Everyone was there trying to look out for each other.”
