By Brandon Corlette in St Lucia
The Guyana Amazon Warriors will play their first match of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tomorrow, Saturday August 19. They come up against St Lucia Kings at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia from 19:00h Eastern Caribbean Time.
According to GAW’s newly-appointed vice captain Romario Shepherd, Warriors will be looking for a better start this season.
“This year, we are hoping that we get a better start, because last year was the worst start that we ever had in CPL history. So, hopefully, we can start better and not be under so much pressure heading into the home leg, because we had to win all four (matches played) back home,” he said.
“Hopefully, we can rotate better. Last year we were tired going into the knockout stage, having played four games in five days,” Shepherd said.
The West Indies all-rounder who is now the vice-captain said it was an unexpected call, but he is ready for the job.
“Not really expected, because I was not planning on being vice-captain. It is a role now, so I have to work along with Imran Tahir and the coaching staff.”
Shepherd also said he is embracing the fact that he can get hit in some games, but it is all about how well you can bounce back. He is also hoping that his good form in international cricket can be transferred in CPL.
“The form is good. I am not trying to overthink and dwell too much on the past. I am focused on what is in front of me,” Shepherd said.
Hazratullah Zazai and Manager Leon Johnson interacting at a practice session
The big Berbician is not thinking too much about the T20 World Cup, because he had been subjected to bad experiences two years in a row, (having missed out on selection). His main goal right now is to perform well for Guyana.
Meanwhile, Head Coach Lance Klusener has said it is a long tournament, and it is important to manage that, while not leaving any stones unturned.
“There is a lot of talent. We have a lot of allrounders, so it is about finding that balance and combination,” the South African said.
This fixture between Guyana Amazon Warriors and St Lucia Kings is expected to be a big game, since it is the first weekend game on the evening, and Kings would want to topple the Warriors at home.
Guyana Amazon Warriors squad: Imran Tahir (captain), Romario Shepherd (vice-captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Odean Smith, Hazratullah Zazai, Azam Khan, Shai Hope, Gudakesh Motie, Dwaine Pretorius, Kevin Sinclair, Keemo Paul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Ronsford Beaton, Kevlon Anderson, Matthew Nandu, Junior Sinclair and Saim Ayub.
Saint Lucia Kings squad: Johnson Charles, Faf du Plessis (captain), Leonardo Julien, Kimani Melius, Sean Williams, Roston Chase, Khary Pierre, Roshon Primus, Sikandar Raza, McKenny Clarke, Matthew Forde, Peter Hatzglou, Alzarri Joseph, Jair McAllister, Jeavor Royal, Chris Sole. (GTimes)