Fit again Ganga to face CCC

National captain Daren Ganga has recovered from his hand injury and will now lead this country in their second round clash against the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) at UWI, St Augustine from Friday. Ganga missed the opening match of the tournament against Barbados because of a cut on his right hand. He was seen on the final day of the game at Guaracara Park, taking a knock in the nets, which indicated he was ready to return.

Wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin led the team to first innings points in his absence. Yesterday, chairman of the national selection panel Dudnath Ramkessoon said Ganga’s final report from the doctor was very encouraging and hence he is included. “In the doctor’s opinion, Daren is ready for the rigours of four days of cricket and hence he is back to lead the team.” Ganga comes in at the expense of middle order batsman Jason Mohammed.

Also seeing Dr Anil Goopeesingh was all rounder Rayad Emrit who had a damaged toe in the last game. According to Ramkessoon: “The doctor also advised in his report, Emrit although not 100 per cent fit at the moment, will be ready for the game on Friday.” Emrit was man of the match against Barbados, scoring 97 not out to lead this country past the Bajan’s first innings score of 395. He batted almost half his innings with a runner, as he injured his toe in a collision with fast bowler Tino Best.

Ramkessoon said he was very happy with the character shown by the players in the last game and is confident an even better showing against the CCC. “The guys showed character on a slow pitch, which required discipline. They showed commitment to the cause. The bowlers needed to be discipline and the batsmen had to show good judgement and they did. With this focus and commitment, I am confident they will again perform well and go on and win the match against the CCC.” 

SQUAD

Trinidad & Tobago: Daren Ganga—Captain, Denesh Ramdin, Lendl Simmons, Justin Guillen, Runako Morton, Aneil Kanhai, Imran Khan, Dave Mohammed, Rayad Emrit, Amit Jaggernauth, Shannon Gabriel, Atiba Allert and Sherwin Ganga. Head Coach: Kelvin William, Team Manager: Omar Khan, Fitness Trainer/Physiotherapist: Ronald Rogers