A deep batting line up, top fielding and running in between the wickets can lead to the national Under-17 cricket team to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional 50-over U-17 title in Tobago, according to coach Tarandath Sammy.
Speaking to the T&T Guardian yesterday ahead of the team's opening match against Barbados today, Sammy said: "The boys are very upbeat, we had a good practice session this morning (yesterday). Running in between the wickets and the fielding will be the difference."
The team, led by captain Bryan Boodram, batted well in the practice matches and is another factor that can lead to the crown, which T&T won last year. Sammy highlighted vice-captain Keagan Simmons, Dejourn Charles, Kirstan Kallicharan, Sachin Seecharan and Jordan Warner, who all showed form in the warm up matches.
In the team's last practice match on Saturday against a Tobago XI, Seecharan slammed 32 off 13 deliveries. Fitness will be crucial in the round-robin tournament, as T&T will play five matches in eight days. "Our first two games is back-to-back, fitness will be a factor."
The coach said he may select the final XI after looking at the Louidore wicket. In other first round matches, Jamaica will face Windward Islands at Shaw Park, while Guyana plays Leeward Islands at Bon Accord. The tournament concludes next week Tuesday.
SQUAD
Bryan Boodram (captain), Keagan Simmons (vice-captain) Emilo Gopaul, Jarlarnie Seales, Amit Kistow, Keron Persad, Kirstan Kallicharan, Sachin Seecharan, Nathaniel Mc David, Dejourn Charles, Jordan Warner, Brandon Maharaj, Daniel Williams, David I. Williams, Stephen Martel (manager), Tarandath Sammy (coach)
Round One Fixtures
Jamaica vs Windward Islands at Shaw Park
T&T vs Barbados at Louidore
Guyana vs Leeward Islands at Bon Accord