VETERAN Guyana/Windies leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo said he’s thrilled to be back playing some intense cricket, ahead of an important Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional 4-Day season.

Bishoo, who last played for the West Indies in the One Day International (ODI) home series versus England back in March this year, was named in the Leon Johnson XI, ahead of the first of two 3-Day practice games, held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence this morning.

The veteran leg-break bowler told Chronicle Sport on the eve of the first match, that he’s pretty upbeat given his smooth recovery from injury and is ready to play some competitive cricket again, following a successful return to local action during the Berbice Cricket Board’s (BCB) pre-Christmas 1st division season.

“The next three days are very important for me because I will be playing more competitive cricket. I had a good run playing for my club (Albion) recently and now I’m happy to be playing in this practice match. Hopefully I can go out and take some wickets over the next few days.” said Bishoo.

One of the most prolific wicket-takers in 4-Day cricket and holder of a few Regional records, the 34-year-old is just 18 wickets shy of 400 and could easily achieve that come this 2020 season.

Playing just one match during the 2018-19 4-Day season before West Indies duties came calling, Bishoo’s availability this season for Johnson means the most successful Guyanese 4-Day skipper will have again one of his main weapons at his disposal, heading into their 6th consecutive title hunt.

Concerning the upcoming season, a well-poised Bishoo pointed out that it was very crucial for him to make the most of the two practice games and get his body and mind right in wake of the Jaguars important upcoming assignment.

“I’m happy to get a bowl, because it’s important if you want to have a good season. I want to do well throughout this season and hopefully I can get a lot of wickets but I’m just looking to take it match by match, do well and just enjoy the tournament,” he ended.
Meanwhile, Bishoo will have lots of talented players to bowl against, over the next three days when the Johnson XI play the Anthony Adams XI from 09:30hrs today.
Leon Johnson’s squad: Leon Johnson (captain), Chandrapaul Hemraj, Vishal Singh, Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joseph, Devendra Bishoo, Sherfane Rutherford Trevon Griffith, Akshaya Persaud, Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed, Nial Smith, Ramaal Lewis, Kevin Sinclair

Head coach Esaun Crandon. Assistant coach/manager Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Anthony Adams’ squad: Antony Adams (captain), Kevlon Anderson, Raymon Perez, Kemol Savory, Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed, Ricardo Adams, Tevin Imlach, Richie Looknauth, Kevin Umroa, Nial Smith, Clinton Pestano, Ashmead Nedd, Qumar Torrington, Joshua Jones, Quintin Sampson, Jonathan Foo.

Coaches: Julian Moore, Clive Grimmond and Michael Franco. (Clifton Ross)