Skipper Ganga praises team effort

Ganga was speaking at a reception for the newly-crowned Carib Beer Series regional champions, at the VIP Lounge, Piarco International Airport, following the team’s return from Barbados yesterday.

On Sunday TT trounced the Bajans by 264-runs in a final round of match to clinch the championship.

The majority of the team returned yesterday while captain Ganga, Brian Lara, Dwayne Bravo and Mervyn Dillon came back on Sunday night.

Ganga also highlighted the national pride that spread among the players in Barbados.

"The pride of our nation was in our hands," he said.

The 26-year-old TT skipper praised the efforts of the players, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, team and tournament sponsors Carib and the supporters who rallied behind the team since their dismal showing in the 2005 President’s Cup.

TT defending their title were beaten in all five of their matches last year.

"It was a tough road to travel," Ganga said.

But he was quick to note that the team has still a semi-final and final to play. With the semis set for April 7-10 and the final, of the Carib Beer Challenge Cup from April 14-19.

Ganga, Bravo and wicket-keeper Denesh Ramdin will leave Trinidad today to group with their regional teammates in Barbados, en route to New Zealand. The 15-member West Indies team would face the Kiwis in two Tests, five One-Day Internationals and an official Twenty-20 fixture.

TTCB president and ex-WI captain Deryck Murray also addressed the gathering, thanking the players (including those who did not play in Barbados) for the team’s achievements.

"This triumph belongs to the players," he emphasised.

Murray also singled out for praise the 36-year-old triple Test batting record holder Lara, who he said "displayed enthusiasm and energy of a player making his debut."

Murray said Lara allowed his experience and class to filter throughout the team.

He noted that with a two-month-long break before the start of the Challenge Cup, the players who would not be in New Zealand can play with their local club sides.

Sport and Youth Affairs Minister Roger Boynes, in the feature speech, said that the team is an inspiration to the nation’s youth and also lauded the work of the TTCB, stating that the nation’s Under-15, Under-19 and senior men’s teams, as well as the Under-23 and senior women’s teams, have emerged victorious in recent regional competitions.

Also speaking were team manager Omar Khan and Andrew Sabga, chief executive officer (CEO) of Carib Brewery Limited.

And, among the dignitaries present at the function were TTCB first vice-president and chairman of selectors Dudnath Ramkissoon, West Indies Players Association (WIPA) president and CEO Dinanath Ramnarine, and former captain Rangy Nanan, who led TT to its last regional four-day crown in 1985.