Cricketers in limited overs match today

Trinidad and Tobago cricketers preparing for the Pizza Hut/Gerry Gomez Classic and Carib Beer Series will be involved in a limited-overs trial match at Gilbert Park, California today. Heavy rain over the past five days forced the players and technical staff to practice at the Angostura Indoor Nets at the Sir Frank Worrell Development Centre since Thursday.

Play on Thursday, Friday and Saturday were washed out and today being the final, coach David Williams decided to let the players be involved in Limited-overs practice match. The match will start at 9.30 am weather permitting. Williams and trainer Gerald Garcia had the players in intense training sessions at the Sir Frank Worrell Development Centre since Thursday. Saturday was their rest day but they were back at the Angostura Indoor Nets early yesterday and worked out until after 1 pm. West Indies fast bowler Ravi Rampaul, Earnil Ryan and Samuel Felix worked out yesterday together with all the other players. Rampaul also did specialist aerobics exercises with trainer Garcia at the nearby Ato Boldon Stadium.

The trainer is preparing Rampaul for the rigours on the field during the four-day matches and the extended First-Class season. He said: “I am trying to get Ravi to do as much work on the bike so as to strengthen all his leg muscles. He has done everything that I have planned for him and this goes to show how serious he is in getting back into top shape.” Garcia also revealed that the West Indies youth bowling record-holder has been bowling from the short run-up at the indoor practice sessions. Williams indicated that he was very happy with the level of enthusiasm and commitment shown by all the players but is worried that the planned trial match outdoors has been hampered because of rain.