T&T's batting has to come good or they could forget winning their first Regional First Class title in eight years. This according to chairman of the national team preparation committee, Baldath Mahabir.
T&T just missed out on winning the WICB President's Trophy after Barbados edged them at the final hurdle. Heading into final round T&T enjoyed an eight point lead over second placed Barbados. While the Barbadians hammered the hapless Leewards, T&T had to settle for a draw as rain fell on the final day in their clash against Guyana at Providence Stadium.
Mahabir however refused to blame the rain for T&T not winning. "We cannot blame the rain alone. We needed to bat better and give ourselves more time to bowl out the Guyanese. The batsmen did not perform and in the end the Guyanese were able to escape."
T&T still has a chance to lift a Regional First Class title, as they are in the semi-finals of the Headley/Weekes segment as a result of finishing second in the league and will play the Windward Islands from tomorrow at the Queen's Park Oval.
T&T defeated the Windwards in the league phase also at the Queen's Park Oval and Mahabir is expecting them to repeat.
"If you look at the recent history of Windwards cricket you would realise that their strength is bowling. When you look at our performances you would realise that we have had problems with our batting and this is the key. If our batsmen come good, we would win the game.
"We have been strengthened by the inclusion of some of our West Indian players and they need to lead from the front."
Wicketkeeper/batsman Denesh Ramdin, who is back as captain, has been in good form all season and his batting will be crucial to his team's fortune.
Yesterday the T&T boys had a training session at the Oval and missing out was Amit Jaggernauth who has retired from first class cricket.
Promising spin bowler Ancil Bhagan, who plays for PowerGen Sports, replaces the experienced Jaggernauth.
T&T team: Denesh Ramdin (captain), Adrian Barath, Evin Lewis, Darren Bravo, Jason Mohammed, Imran Khan, Rayad Emrit, Shannon Gabriel, Ancil Bhagan, Ricky Jaipaul, Marlon Richards, Lendl Simmons, Akeal Hosein, Kelvin Williams (Coach), Manohar Ramsaran (Manager), Clinton Jeremiah (Physio/Trainer)
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