By Rajiv Bisnauth

THE Jaguars Super50 squad completed their three practice games yesterday at La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara.
Organised by Guyana Cricket Inc. (GCI), the games formed part of Jaguars’ preparation ahead of the tournament, billed for Antigua from February 7 to 27.
In reviewing the three games, the core concern is the poor batting form of a number of their frontline batsmen, who were negative in their approach, hence their poor showing. For the third consecutive game, Assad Fudadin, Trevon Griffith, Shimron Hetmyer and Christopher Barnwell failed to contribute significantly with the bat.
The collective failure of most of the top-order batsmen needs introspection for it will impact not only the composition of the squad but also the balance of the playing XI.
Of the three games, Chandrapaul Hemraj struck the only hundred, while Akshaya Persaud hit 51, to be the only two batsmen to spark.
On the other hand, the bowlers hardly put a foot wrong. The fast-bowling of Romario Shepherd, Nial Smith and Keon Joseph was impressive. It’s a clear indication that the group has enough variety to sustain success during the Super50 tournament.

Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and off-spinners Kevin Sinclair and Ramal Lewis were equally impressive.
Motie, who would shoulder the task of being the Jaguars’ leading spin option, took the lone five-wicket haul. Another notable performer was leg-spinner Steven Sankar but, unfortunately, he is not part of Jaguars’ 15-man squad.
Further, the game yesterday saw yet another disappointing batting display from a number of the Jaguars selectees.
However, the day’s play was dominated by Hemraj, who first claimed 5-24 in seven overs before returning to smash an attacking 109.
Batting first Vishaul Singh’s X1 could muster only 175 in 39.2 overs with an unbeaten 43 from Romario Shepherd. Assad Fudadin, who makes a return to the national fold, struck 39 while Gudakesh Motie hit 31 towards the backend of the innings.
The run-chase, which spanned the full 39.2 overs, was relatively easy with the left-handed Hemraj dominating the proceedings, hitting seven sixes and eight fours, as Leon Johnson’s X1 reached 209-8.

Christopher Barnwell made 34 while Trevon Griffith contributed 21. Nial Smith, the unfortunate Ricardo Adams and Devendra Bishoo claimed two wickets apiece.
In the meantime, in keeping with COVID-19 protocols, Guyana Jaguars will undergo a series of tests prior to their departure and arrival in Antigua.
The squad will undergo the first of two tests tomorrow after which they will be required to isolate before their second test on January 27.
Upon Arrival in Antigua, a two-day room isolation is required after which they will undergo the third test on February 2 with the fourth test schedule for February 6, between which time players will be allowed to practise as a group.
The squad reads; Chandrapaul Hemraj, Trevon Griffith, Christopher Barnwell, Leon Johnson, Shimron Hetmyer, Assad Fudadin, Keon Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Ramaal Lewis, Nial Smith, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble, Akshaya Persaud and Tevin Imlach.
Esaun Crandon is the coach, while the Manager/Assistant coach is Shivnarine Chanderpaul and the physiotherapist is Ernesto Campo Gonzalez.