Pollard, ‘Jaggy’ get Red Force call-up

Also returning to the team is off-spinner Amit Jaggernauth. The Queen’s Park duo replaced right-handed batsman Daron Cruickshank and all-rounder Yannic Cariah. Thus far, the Red Force have won two of their three match-ups and sit in fourth place on the Four-Day standings on 36 points. The inclusion of Pollard, who was out of competition for several months due to injury, is expected to provide a timely boost for TT following their loss to Barbados in their last match.

Speaking yesterday to Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board chairman of selectors, Alec Burns, he revealed that both additions should generate a more positive mindset among the TT camp.

“Kieron Pollard is back for the team and I strongly believe that he should give us a significant boost, especially in the batting. Pollard is known to be a top international player and we’re hoping that his presence on the team can also help to amplify the other players to play even better,” said Burns.

Having beaten the Windward Islands by 186 runs in their opening clash, dismantled the Leeward Islands by an innings and 107 runs and then crashing to an innings and 160-run loss to defending champions Barbados, TT are keen to bounce back and climb the Four-Day standings.

The Bajans (46pts) lead the table while the Windwards (45pts) lie in second and Jamaica (38pts) third. CCC are in fifth position with 28 points.

Burns expressed optimism going into tomorrow’s match-up and hoped the TT team would perform better than they did in the last round.

“Yes, we are hoping to win and get full points against the CCC. Just coming off a loss against Barbados in which we didn’t do too well, we hope that Pollard can bring an inspiration to the squad. Jaggernauth is also a fine player and we are confident that these guys can bring an extra spark to the team,” Burns added.

And even though opening batsmen Adrian Barath and youngster Evin Lewis have had mixed spells with the bat since the tournament began, Burns remained enthusiastic that the openers would get it right this time. “Well yes, we have confidence in Adrian and Evin. They’re in the squad against the CCC and we’ll see what they bring on Friday with the final 11. We are full of confidence,” concluded the chairman of selectors.

TT squad: Adrian Barath, Evin Lewis, Darren Bravo, Jason Mohammed, Jonathan Augustus, Imran Khan, Stephen Katwaroo, Rayad Emrit (captain), Shannon Gabriel, Amit Jaggernauth, Kieron Pollard, Ricky Jaipaul and Marlon Richards.