… Seventh round CWI/PCL Four-day bowls off today

HEAD coach Esaun Crandon says the Guyana Jaguars are under no illusions about the massive threat posed by the much-improved Leeward Islands Hurricanes.
The Jaguars skipper stressed that the title-holders would be looking to execute their game plan clinically, when the seventh round Cricket West Indies Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-day day/night encounter bowls off today at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The visiting team have been the only team to beat the Jaguars twice in the history of the PCL, beating the Jaguars in both their encounters last season.
“We are fully aware of their (Leeward Islands Hurricanes) threat. They beat us twice last year and they have played some good cricket this season, but once we stick to our game plans we can give a good account of ourselves,” Crandon pointed out.
He added, “We need to bat better, our last game we failed as a batting unit, but there is always room for improvement, so I am confident that our batters will be much better this time around.”

The title-holders and the Windward Islands Volcanoes played to a tie in the last game, the first such result in 152 years of regional first class cricket.
The Jaguars were bowled out for 164, but despite the shocking result, the Jaguars remained at the top of the table, moving to 97.2 points.

However, they enter this round with one change to their 13-man squad, with fast bowler Keon Joseph making way for left-arm spinner Anthony Adams. Joseph, the West Indies A team seamer is expected to undergo a minor foot surgery.

PATIENT CRICKET
Meanwhile, the visiting captain Rahkeem Cornwall in an invited comment yesterday implored his teammates to play patient cricket.
The Hurricanes are fourth on the points standing with 57 points, but Cornwall said this could well be another absorbing contest, considering the make-up of the two sides.
“Our mood is good, we are a confident bunch of players, so I am confident we can do well. Once we play patient cricket we can come out on top,” Cornwall said.

The game bowls off at 15:00hrs and admission to the venue is free.
Guyana Jaguars squad reads: Leon Johnson (captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Vishaul Singh, Anthony Bramble, Keemo Paul, Akshaya Persaud, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie and Anthony Adams.
Leeward Islands Hurricanes squad reads: Rahkeem Cornwall (captain), Jahmah Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Chesney Hughes, Shane Burton, Sheno Berridge, Nkrumah Bonner, Jeremiah Louis, Akeem Saunders, Terence Warde, Gavin Tonge, Devon Thomas and Mervin Matthew.