… Jags keeper says family time, training kept him focussed during lockdown

By Clifton Ross

Young Guyana Jaguars wicket-keeper/batsman Kemol Savory is eager to get back onto the cricket field following a lengthy time off, admitting that he’s more focussed after reflecting on his debut season.
One of Guyana’s future Jags players and the only genuine wicketkeeper next to Anthony Bramble, admitted the last 5 months away from cricket had given him a refreshed mind state and more courage to try and establish himself as a main player in either the Jags Super50 or 4-Day dynasty team.

The Jags backup keeper said while COVID-19 has robbed him from time training and playing; he was grateful for the opportunity granted to spend with his wife and new baby.
“Well I actually got the time to spend with my family especially my son. I enjoyed every moment and now can’t wait to get back onto the cricket field,” he said.
The left-hander made his national debut last season during the Regional Super50 after dominating the Jaguars Franchise league with runs and sublime glove-work. After making his match-winning 71 not out on debut, he endured a few rough games but returned home to put in more work than ever.

Giving insight into how difficult the past few months were with regard to keeping in shape and working on his glove-work, the left-hander told Chronicle Sport that there were a few obstacles; but none he couldn’t overcome.
“Yes it’s challenging, but you have to be mentally strong because your body is already accustomed to training outdoors. I’m training with the Guyana Jaguars on live Zoom and also doing some training behind the scenes”.said the Essequibo franchise player.
Crediting his brother Carlos as well as other family members for helping to keep him in shape during difficult times, Savory continued, “I also have some good friends like Samuel Anderson and my brother-in-law Hassan, who actually is my net bowler in my yard; so I’m constantly doing some wicket-keeping work home.”

With restrictions slowly lifting and live action starting to resume globally, the local cricket scene has earmarked September as the projected time to have some normalcy and the Jags player said he was keen on being in peak condition mentally and body-wise when that time arrives.
“My plan is to just stay fit, keep working hard and improve in my glove-work. I also want to get back to making runs whenever the lovely game of cricket resumes. Because of my training and the work I have been putting in over the past couple of months, hopefully I shall get some good performances and maybe a recall to the Super50 or even a first-class call-up,” he said.
Wrapping up his comments regarding time spent during lockdown as well as future plans, the 23-year-old said the key thing was to use the time off to reflect and review his last season.

“It’s important as a player that I get to look back at some games I played. Looking at the last Super50 I played in made me want to work even harder to be a better wicketkeeper, batsman and player going forward in my career,”. Savory ended.