TT selectors playing musical chairs

Opening batsman Jeremy Solozano, 21, has been identified as one for the future but averages just 14.19 from just 15 First Class matches since making his debut four years ago. Red Force coach Gus Logie has said TT are looking to develop the youths this year and in a season already condemned for failure, giving Solozano a consistent run may reap dividends in the long term. The left-hander played in TT ’s opening win against the Windward Islands but fell ill during their loss to Barbados from November 25-28. He was axed for their next fixtures vs Jamaica and Guyana and returned to play against the Windwards. He was promptly dropped for the Red Force match against Guyana at the Oval then picked again for the fixture against the Jamaica Scorpions last Friday at the same venue.

Solozano, who made his debut in May 2013 and has a First Class hundred to his name is in his worst ever national form, averaging a dismal 6.33 from four matches so far with a highest score of 19. But with the thrust being youths, why is he not getting a consistent run in a season where title contending is not the priority? National all-rounder Rayad Emrit has also been treated indifferently by the TT selectors. After missing the start of the season due to his participation in the Bangladesh Premier League and Hong Kong T20 Blitz, Emrit was omitted from the TT squad for their crushing 10-wicket loss to Guyana Jaguars on March 20 despite being available. The 36-year-old all-rounder was selected for his first match of the season last week, taking four wickets in TT ’s loss to Jamaica including an impressive 3/30 in the second innings as Jamaica were bowled for 201 twice.

He had knocks of 10 not out and four with the bat.

Newsday was reliably informed yesterday that Emrit, however, was omitted from the national squad for TT ’s trip to Barbados on April 7. Queen’s Park’s Tion Webster, who had two half-centuries and a five-wicket haul over the weekend vs Clarke Road, has earned a callup along with Bajan all-rounder Roshon Primus who played a few TT matches earlier this season.

Contacted yesterday, Chairman of Selectors Raphick Jumadeen, declined comment on the composition of the TT squad until the squad was officially released by the TT CB. The Selection Committee also comprises Anthony Gray, Roland Sampath and Lalman Kowlessar.

“We really did pick the team today but the only time I can give you any information is if you go through the CEO Suruj Ragoonath.

If he says to release it, then I have no problem, but I feel it will be unethical to say who left off or who on the team before they release it.

I don’t want to put anything in the public domain until the CEO has a look at the team,” he said.