Ganga’s men not over-awed by Bajans

THE Trinidad and Tobago cricketers, dubbed the “young guns” are ready to fire when the regional limited overs tournament gets underway today in Guyana with their opening match against Barbados at Enmore. And they are far from over-awed by the wealth of talent they are up against. Omar Khan, manager of the Trinidad and Tobago team said yesterday in a telephone interview that although Barbados possess an experienced team, they can be undone by intelligent cricket. “Our ability to out-think them can be the difference. Our game strategy and allround team effort — a brilliant run out, a spectacular catch or an outstanding innings will determine who will win on the day,” said Khan. He said at a recent team meeting, the players have been motivated to go out on the field and show they are ready for regional First-Class cricket.

“They are definitely not intimidated but fired up by the challenge which Barbados will present,” said Khan. The Trinidad and Tobago team has been severely depleted by the unavailability through injury  of star players Brian Lara, the West Indies captain; experienced fast bowler Mervyn Dillon; exciting allrounder Dwayne Bravo and middle-order batsman Lendl Simmons. Khan said yesterday the players had a first look at the Enmore Ground which he described as “dry with a fast outfield.” He said should captain Daren Ganga call correctly in the toss with Courtney Browne, he would be inclined to bat since the possibility exists that the wicket may assist the spinners in the latter stages of the match.

The Trinidad and Tobago team was expected to be selected last night at a team meeting following a reception for all the participating teams in the tournament hosted by the Guyana Cricket Board at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown. Khan gave the assurance that all the players are in good shape with the exception of big hitting allrounder Richard Kelly who is still recovering from the flu which should not affaect his chances of playing today. The Trinidad and Tobago cricketers  have been drinking lots of fluids and using rehydration drinks to cope with the very hot weather Guyana has been experiencing throughout the past week said Khan. “The players are pretty confident that they can start the tournament on a winning note,” he said.

TT SQUAD: Daren Ganga (captain), Imran Jan, Sherwin Ganga, Ricardo Powell, Gregory Mahabir, Shazam Babwah, Jonathan Augustus, Samuel Badree, Richard Kelly, Dinesh Ramdin, Riyad Emrit, Rodney Sooklal, Earnil Ryan, Theodore Modeste.