Davis, Khan query TT preparation

With only one win after five rounds of action, TT are last on the six-team standings. Former West Indies manager Omar Khan said there was a lot of excitement before this season but the team has not lived up to expectations.

Khan stated, “A lot of hype was created before the start of the tournament, (reports stated) good preparation was done, the team was well prepared. Before the tournament coach Gus Logie said the team did a lot of work but unfortunately it seems the application is lacking, mental strength of the team is lacking and it is very disappointing to see that we cannot put together that consistency and that span of concentration that is required for four-day cricket.” Former West Indies cricketer Bryan Davis believes the team is not preparing well. Davis stated, “I don’t think the team for the last three years has been a well prepared team. I don’t like the whole preparation aspect, the trial matches how it is played, it is too lackadaisical, it does not seem to be following any definite order. “ Davis added, “When you reach this level of cricket, this level of cricket is one step away from Test cricket. I think it is preparation. We not properly prepared for four-day matches.” Khan and Davis both believe that T20 cricket cannot be blamed for TT ’s demise in the four-day game. Khan explained, “you look at the top class players in the world like Virat Kohli and Joe Root, they play all forms of the game but they can adjust to the different formats, when they playing Test cricket you see them concentrating and fighting, batting differently.

I don’t think we have the kind of mental preparation and motivation that is required within the team structure that is allowing our players to develop and understand their roles and responsibilities at this level.” Davis also believes the team is not motivated. Davis said, “they have talented players there but I looked at some of the cricket yesterday (Sunday) through the computer and men walking around with their shoulders down and they don’t look like if they happy. They playing the game but they look like a losing bunch of players. So somehow they are not motivated, and a team is only motivated when they feel they’re good.” Davis explained that when a team practices hard in the nets they will be more confident in matches.

The former Glamorgan player believes Red Force captain Yannick Ottley was rushed into the position.

“I think it is very unfair to put Yannick Ottley as captain of the team because I don’t think he has that experience and I don’t think he has that knowledge. He might develop it and I hope he does, but certainly he is far too green a cricketer to put into that situation. I think it is tough on him, I am not blaming him, but all this comes back to selectors.” Khan also believes Ottley is not ready to be captain of the TT team.

“I think Ottley in my humble opinion he needs a lot of guidance, he needs a lot of help. I don’t think he is ready for that level of national senior team as yet. I think they need to review that and really look at that seriously, “ Khan stated.