– as cricket remains in limbo
– Jags spinner says delayed Regional season more frustrating
By Clifton Ross
NATIONAL spinner, Anthony Adams is supporting the idea of the local cricket system creating their own “Bubble” so as to ensure that some amount of live action can be played in the near future; despite Covid-19 still running amok.
The Guyana Jaguars left-arm spinner and Essequibo franchise skipper told Guyana Chronicle on Monday that the idea of the country’s cricket fraternity staging their own bubble is something that may just work in favour of him and his tradesmen.
With West Indies and England, the 2020 Hero CPL and now the ongoing IPL, all having adapted to the Bubble, which was first made a success by the NBA, seems to have provided some manner of defence against the pandemic while affording live cricket to be played under strict biosecure guidelines.
“I think it’s a good idea because Cricket West Indies have planned the Regional season for December, I think. So it’s important that Guyana’s franchise can work to put things in place so when the tournament arises we are not lacking in any way”. He said.
Regarding the country’s current situation and venues remaining closed, the Essequibian believed that the Bubble system is ideally needed as part of the rephasing/reopening process.
“I think if the way forward is having players and teams in a Bubble, then those in charge should try and get that system in place, because we don’t know when covid will go away, so with that being said, I think it’s a good plan. ” Adams said.
Looking at the success rate of the Bubble in recent times, one main thing is certain and that is once those inside follow guidelines, then the process remains basically normal minus the mass interactions and inclusiveness of fans.
Adams further believed that once the blueprint for the mini project such as the ones which have been used internationally and regionally is followed here in Guyana, similar success can be reaped as the cricketers can slowly begin their re-integration process.
“The CPL and tour of England were both well-managed because things were in place to ensure that all players and personnel remained safe. If we (Guyana) have to do that here, it’s important we follow suit and do the necessary things to ensure players and fans are in a safe environment”, said the spinner.
Due to the shroud of uncertainty which Covid-19 has cast, the future of Regional cricket this season is bleek and, as a result, the season is set to start no sooner that December, as opposed to this month’s usual start.
Speaking on the added woe of the season possibly being delayed or even called off altogether, Adams said he was worried but remained focused on the positives.
“For me, it’s frustrating, obviously it’s a situation no one expected. Not having cricket for such a long time and now even longer, is hard. FOR me, I’m a believer in things happening for a reason; at the end of the day, whenever cricket restarts it’s on you as a player to be ready”.
He concluded by adding, “All of this is an opportunity for me to work on my game and other things. I’m doing some coaching right now, so when cricket returns, I’ll be ready for anything; but it’s frustrating not doing the things you like; but you have to work on your craft, use whatever little space you may have home and keep yourself fit until cricket starts again”. Adams ended.
