… says performance key for national selection 

AS the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Franchise League three-day cricket tournament approaches the halfway stage, chairman of the senior selection panel, Rayon Griffith, has implored cricketers participating in the League to play smart cricket which will ultimately aid in their performance. The League, which replaced the traditional Inter-county competition, comprises eight franchises; geared at placing Guyana’s cricket on a more solid footing.However, Griffith, who is also the Guyana Jaguars’ assistant coach/manager, feels that while the League continues to help the game locally, and at the same time exposes players to a professional set-up, performances will be the key criteria for players to either retain their place or earn a spot to represent the Guyana Jaguars in the 2017–2018 regional first class session“While the selection panel will be looking at a number of factors, players’ performances during the League will be the key criteria for selection to the national set-up,” Griffith said. He added “Yes we have 15 contracted players, and a number of Academy players selected, but that does not mean that other players can’t make the Guyana Jaguars squad. Once they perform they will definitely be in the selectors’ eyes. Apart from those contracted players, other players who have reached the selectors’ criteria are also eligible for national selection under the ‘Pay for Play’ criteria.”.Meanwhile, the League resumes today, and the Essequibo Franchise have maintained the lead in the eight-team fixture.Essequibo emerged as point-standing leaders on 40.8 points, closely followed by West Demerara with 38.4.For today’s fourth round fixtures; Lower Corentyne face East Bank at Young Warriors, Upper Corentyne battle West Demerara at Port Mourant, West Berbice take on East Coast at Bush Lot and Georgetown go up against Essequibo at Tuschen.
Point standings after round three: