Hope keen to revive Red Force

TT are rooted at the bottom of the standings, after five matches, with a tally of 35.6 points, trailing Jamaica Scorpions (67.6), Guyana Jaguars (64.6), Barbados Pride (47.2), Windward Islands Volcanoes (41.6) and Leeward Islands Hurricanes (39.4). Hope and his troops are currently in Grenada where they will tackle the Volcanoes in a Sixth Round meeting tomorrow, at the National Stadium in St George’s.

Asked in an interview yesterday about the Red Force’s aspirations for the remainder of the season, the Barbados-born Hope replied, “I believe the highest place is what you always aim for as a team. It’s a really young bunch. I just believe in the bunch we have.” Hope replaced Yannick Ottley as the Red Force captain, with Ottley having only totalled 92 runs in five matches this season.

About his feelings on being appointed as captain, the 28-yearold noted, “It hasn’t really kicked in yet but, so far, it’s an honour to be able to represent a country at this level.” He described the feedback he received from his teammates as “good”. Hope stated, “It’s a close-knit bunch.

They’ve given me a lot of support as well.

It’s been good.” In five games, Hope has amassed 410 runs at an average of 51.25.

Looking ahead to the rest of the season he pointed out, “just like any sportsman, my aim is to continue to execute my skills as well as possible, to try to contribute in making the Red Force play a lot better and help my team get in the best position possible.” Ex-captain Jason Mohammed (Windies duties) and all-rounder Roshon Primus (injury) will both be missing but according to Hope, “It leaves the door open for everyone to have a chance to step up.