Hugh Gore says home team will not be underestimated

Despite not being able to practise outdoors, manager of the Leeward Islands, Hugh Gore was pleased with being able to accomplish some training.

“The batsmen got to bat for 20 minutes each with the spinners in one net and the pacers in the other, we also did some fielding with some of the players going on the concrete outdoors.

“You got to remember that God is in charge and thankfully Trinidad has the structure which allows you to train indoors, if we were in Antigua we would not have been able to,” said Gore yesterday.

He explained that the Leeward Islands had a poor start to the season and is looking to improve their performance against Trinidad and Tobago at the Sir Frank Worrell Ground, University of the West Indies, St Augustine tomorrow.

“We have not been competing for the four days, only doing so for three days, and this is a cause for concern. Right now I would say we are in the bend, we have good team spirit

“I mean cricket is not all about winning it is also about seeing development, we have had a disappointing start and there is room for improvement at the end of the day,” said Gore.

Trinidad and Tobago will be without Lendl Simmons who was selected in the West Indies team for Second Test against England on Friday while Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo and Rayad Emrit missing through injury along with Dave Mohammed who is out for personal reasons.

However, Gore explained that the Leeward Islands will not be underestimating Trinidad and Tobago and will remain focused.

“If you go to catch an injured lion you might find yourself in some difficulty. We always going to play hard cricket and we will remain focused. With Simmons not being there it is now an opportunity for another guy to step in the team, said Gore. The former Leeward Islands player commended current skipper, Runako Morton for his role with the team this season.

“It is never easy being a leader, there are different ways and strategies and it has not been easy for him especially when you are not winning.

He batted well against Barbados even though he was not feeling well, but it is for him to learn and keep trying to do better, said Gore.