GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Esuan Crandon said he was looking for a continued positive performance from his side in this year’s Regional 4-Day and Super50 Tournaments.
The Guyana coach said he expected much better performances in comparison to last year’s tournament.
"Last year when we played, we made the semi-finals for both the 4-Day and Super50 tournaments and I think with the calibre of players we have, coupled with the positive attitude that is being shown at the moment coming from the Caribbean Twenty20 Tournament, we stand a good chance of bettering last year’s performance in both formats of the tournament," said the 31-year-old former national all-rounder.
He added: "In the Super50, we stand a much better chance as some of the players enjoy that format of the game. We also have a well-balanced team. All we have to do is go out there, work to our game plan, adapt to the conditions as quickly as possible, then I don’t see why we cannot come out victorious in the end."
Crandon, national coach for the last year, said preparation time for the two tournaments was too short, especially after the squad was selected, but still felt his side had what it took to get the job done, when the time is right.
"We did not have much time to do the necessaries as a team, since the nucleus of the squad was away competing in the CT20, while the others were battling for supremacy in the inter-county tournament," he said.
"I still have faith in the team and once we execute our game plans effectively, we can come out on top over any team, as was evident in that crucial semi-final match against Jamaica in the CT20, when many people had written us off, even before we batted."
Crandon was referring to Guyana’s successful run chase against the Jamaicans, who thanks to Chris Gayle’s unbeaten ton, had posted 188 from their 20 overs to which the Guyanese replied with 189 for four, thanks to Christopher Barnwell’s robust 88.
For the first round of matches against Leeward Islands at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Guyana will be without the services of the experienced West Indies trio in Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Narsingh Deonarine.
Crandon said their absence has created a void which cannot be filled.
"Obviously, the absence of these three players has left a hole in our team, as their contribution towards the make-up of the team is vital," he said.
"I think we have some players who are capable enough to step in and fill the gap however, and this is the perfect opportunity for them to do so, giving the team a good position with a positive start to the tournament."