Pollard hails Johnson as tactical genius, Red Force ready for challenge

By Clifton Ross

AHEAD of today’s mouthwatering CG Insurance Super50 finals, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force skipper Kieron Pollard said he’s expecting some tactical moves from Guyana Jaguars captain Leon Johnson, adding that his boys are upbeat ahead of this storied battle.
Speaking virtually yesterday, the opposing team leaders were poised after their boys managed to run roughshod throughout the competition, inevitably facing off for yet another Super50 final.
Pollard praised his team’s efforts both collectively and individually, adding that the pieces within the squad have all played their role in the Red Force’s success one way or another.

“In terms of experience, in terms of youth I think we have the right mix. I think we did a very good job in selecting the squad, tried to cover each basis and it’s shown because everyone who came into the team has done well despite the varying roles”. Pollard explained.
This year’s competition was basically dominated by the Red Force and Jaguars who continually did battle for the number one spot.
Looking at the opposition and the possibility of losing to the Leon Johnson-led team, Pollard hailed his opposite number as one of the best leaders in West Indies cricket and a player who he expects will be pulling out all the stops, come today, in order to break the near 20-year jinx.

“I’ve played a lot of cricket with and against Leon. He was the West Indies U-19 captain when we went to Sri Lanka in 2006, so the respect is always there. He was my first captain I played under in West Indies colours”.
“He has done a wonderful job, he’s tactically sound, he’s good at that aspect of cricket, thinking cricketer. The last title eluded him but I know he’s going to be looking to win this title and come out with all guns blazing from a tactical standpoint.” credited Pollard.
Meanwhile, West Indies T20 skipper said no decision has been made on Sunil Narine’s availability today but a final assessment will be made prior to the match.

Guyana meanwhile will be keen on seeing a continuation from Shimron Hetmyer, who batted them into the final with a scorching hundred.
Johnson and Chris Barnwell had also racked up hundreds earlier in the competition but have since flown under the radar. Chandrapaul Hemraj, Raymon Reifer and Anthony Bramble have all recorded fifties at some point and will need to step up today.
The Jaguars’ bowling has little issues and with Gudakesh Motie leading the charts and Kevin Sinclair getting added confidence following his West Indies T20 call-up for Sri Lanka, along with Ramaal Lewis and Veerasammy Permaul; Guyana have enough firepower to keep the Trinidadians at bay if needed.
Today’s match bowls off at 13:30hrs