T&T Red Force vice-captain Joshua Da Silva is looking forward to playing at home for the Regional Super50 Cup which bowls off on Tuesday.
“It's always an honour to represent the country. Every time I step on the field, I put my best foot forward because this is what has given me the stepping stone in my career and what started my career. So yes, always grateful to represent the red, white and black,” said the right-hander, taking some time off of practice in the indoor nets at the Queen’s Park Oval in St Clair, Port-of-Spain, to speak with Guardian Media Sports.
Red Force will be seeking its 13th Super 50 title when it welcomes seven regional teams for the month-long tournament to be held at three venues in T&T – Queen’s Park Oval, Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, San Fernando and at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial ground at the University of the West Indies in St Augustine.
Despite the rainy weather conditions making it difficult during Red Force's preparations, even washing out a couple of trial matches, the West Indies A team captain, is satisfied with the work put in by the local team.
He said: “It's been good. We've had some good practice games. A couple were washed out actually but personally, for me I got some runs, I got to spend some time in the middle so if I could just take that form and carry it on, into the competition.”
Da Silva is also looking forward to crossing swords with players he recently played with for the West Indies, West Indies "A" team and St Kitts Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Like, Jair Mc Allister, an exciting fast-bowler from Barbados, whom he captained with Windies "A" in Bangladesh, earlier this year.
“Really exciting! I'm good friends with him. We share some good, funny laughs. So yes, I always enjoy a good competition. I have a few other boys I'd like to get a piece of as well. So hopefully, I can get on top of them and get Trinidad some results.”
One of the teams, the Red Force will be battling against is Leeward Islands Hurricanes, who will be boasting new skipper Alzarri Joseph and Jamaican Oshane Thomas, the two quickest bowlers in the Caribbean. The duo can possibly form the most bowling-potent partnership during the Super 50 and Da Silva is looking forward to the duel.
“I guess the openers would have to play with them first. But yes, definitely looking forward to the competition. And it's going to be a really good year with all the players available. Not having any ODI cricket. So, for us, it's going to be a good tournament to get runs and a good tournament to take wickets because people will be watching,” he said.
Red Force will be going into the tournament without former captain Nicholas Pooran, who has made himself unavailable. Da Silva reiterated that Pooran, who was named T&T's "International Cricketer of The Year" will be missed during the tournament.
“Of course, the experience that he brings, it'll be a massive loss. But I think it's an opportunity for somebody else to put their hands up. I know he'll be cheering on from the outside, lending his advice and helping us in each and every way that we can.
"We have Sunil, who's been around for a very long time, skipper Darren, Jason Mohamed. We have a lot of experience in the camp and I have no doubt whoever's ever given the opportunity in his position will do well.”
The wicketkeeper, who won the Super 50 with the West Indies Emerging Players in 2019, is calling on the 12th man for support during the tournament.
“Support the boys. This is one of our stronger formats. So just come out and support as much as you can. We have a few games here (Queen’s Park Oval) and a few games in Brian Lara Academy. Once you can, lend a clap, lend a hand, any way you can to support us. If you're watching on TV, just back us all the way.”
Red Force will begin their campaign against the Combined Colleges and Campuses on Tuesday (October 17) at the Queen’s Park Oval from 9 am.
