… credits Academy for helping transition to national side

By Clifton Ross

AFTER securing his senior contract for the 2020/21 Regional season, Guyana Jaguars all-rounder Kevin Sinclair hailed Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI) for its unrelenting faith in the younger cohort of the country’s future stars.

Sinclair shot to superstardom internationally after snatching up 4-20 and hitting a crucial 28 in the final of the 2019-20 Regional Super50 tournament, that helped the West Indies Emerging Players (WIEP) earn their rank as a legitimate championship team, after shocking the region and winning their maiden title; at first attempt.

Since his regional success, the off-break spinner has transitioned nicely into the Guyana Jaguars 4-Day team as one of their many utility players. After COVID-19 forced the 2019/20 Regional 4-Day tourney to be called off, like it did many other sports, Sinclair ended with 12 wickets from the 8 matches played and a best of 4-28.

Glimpses of his class as a batsman peaked as he put together a few decent string of scores with his best of 43 being against the eventual champions Barbados Pride.

The right-hander ended with 130 runs after the tournament was stopped in round 8 by the pandemic; but not before earning his selection for this summer’s possible Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where he will represent Guyana Amazon Warriors as their emerging player.

Chronicle Sport caught up with Sinclair after he secured his new season contract and the young all-rounder said that it was the trust and confidence in himself, coupled with that of CGI who put their faith in him for yet another season with the Jaguars, that helped him to protect his spot with the 5-time champs for another year.

“Well I must applaud CGI because they have been impacting more youths’ careers over the years so to speak. Having said that myself, I, as well, have benefited from being in the academy and by moving up and now being contracted; so I’m grateful because it is my first time being so and I think this will allow me to get going forward,” said an assured Sinclair.

Looking back at his rookie year with the Jaguars, who at one point were well on their way to a 6th straight title before encountering a few minor hiccups, including COVID-19; the former Guyana U-15 player said he has learnt much and his time away from the game has allowed him to focus more on upping his cricket whenever the season resumes.

Downtime training during the pandemic has also kept the Berbician of Patrick Dam, New Amsterdam in great shape, ahead of both CPL and the Regional season – currently under COVID-watch – which are huge tournaments in Sinclair’s career.

“I’m still working at it (my cricket), last year showed that I wasn’t at my best but I strongly believe I will be much better as a player this year. I won’t say that I’m satisfied but I’m putting in most of the work I can put in, at home but I’ve been eager to get back on the field,” he stated.

Regarding his team’s chances this season once it is played, the 20-year-old was very confident. During his closing remarks, he backed the former 5-time champs to play to their usual high-level of intensity with the aim of winning.

Also, with the experience, youth and talent in the 15-man squad it is easy to see why Sinclair as well as others will fancy the Jags to have a great season.

“Looking at it (the 15 players) this year, I’m confident on the squad doing well this season, mainly because it’s a balanced unit,” Sinclair concluded.