T&T senior cricket team is set to receive a major boost with the news that star batsman Darren Bravo will be available for their semi-final clash in the regional First Class tournament against Jamaica on May 2.
Bravo, the dapper left hander, has asked for time off from the national team but according to manager Omar Khan, he will be ready to play his part against the Jamaicans.
"Darren will be available for the First Class clash against the Jamaicans and this is welcome news for the T&T team. We have been having major problems in finding someone to hold down that pivotal number three position and with Darren back, he will bat in that position."
Khan reminded that batting has been the team's major problem this season and he is hoping that Bravo can glue the top order together and have men bat around him. "Darren brings with him that stability at the top of the order and the way the guys have batted this season we need someone like him to come in and assist at the top."
T&T will come up against the Jamaicans who topped the preliminary round with a perfect record. T&T finished fourth after losing their last game against Barbados in two days at the Queen's Park Oval. They finished the six-match prelims with three wins and three losses. The other semis will pit the inform Windwards against Barbados.
According to tournament rules T&T would have to travel to Jamaica for the semi-finals and this in itself is a challenge. "We will be on the road for the semis and we will need the experience men on board," said Khan. These guys have to lead from the front and get runs on the board. The bowlers have been very impressive throughout the season and they have played a major hand in having us in the semi-finals.
"Once our batting can click I see no reason why we can't go on and win the First Class title and finished the season on a high."
Before this clash though T&T would be battling for honours in the Regional Super50 tournament. On Thursday, they play the Combine Campuses and Colleges (CCC) in the semis at Kensington Oval in Barbados. The other semis will involve Jamaica and the Windward Islands.