Rain could play spoilsport on Thursday when the T&T Red Force opens its challenge for honours at the Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 tournament against the Windwards Volcanoes at the Queen's Park Oval in Port-of-Spain.
Yesterday, the team's outdoor training at the Queen's Park Oval was not affected and they will be hoping that the weather clears to ensure the day/night encounter which is carded to bowl off 1.30 pm will play without interruptions.
Checks with the meteorological services here in Trinidad did not reveal good news. As they are indicating that the ITCZ in passing through Trinidad and the bad weather will continue today and into the weekend.
Red Force will be led by all-rounder Imran Khan who takes a team mixed with experience and youthful exuberance. Last year the Red Force assembled what could have only been described as a dream-team with the likes of Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul and Sunil Narine and lost in the semi-finals.
Khan, 53, a right-arm leg-break bowler, will be hoping that his team can go further to add to the 13 titles they have won in regional 50 overs cricket. Red Force is the most successful team in the history of 50 overs cricket in Trinidad and will be hoping to get back to winning ways.
Manager of the T&T Red Force team David Furlonge said that he was happy with the preparations and is hoping for the best in terms of the inclement weather. "We cannot do anything about the inclement weather. When you prepare to play in a tournament you want to go out there and play cricket. However, we are not in charge of the elements, the players just need to stay focussed and sharp."
Furlonge said the fact that the big-name players are not playing is further motivation for the young Red Force team. "With the West Indies players away, it now allows these younger guys to address the West Indies selectors with good cricket. They have prepared well and they are eager to go out there and show their worth. All in all the camp is fine and we are looking forward to a great performance from the boys."
The other clash in T&T today will see the consistent Guyana Jaguars coming up against the West Indies Emerging players at the Brian Lara Academy in Tarouba. The conditions in the South were also set and hence there was no training on the outfield.
TEAMS
T&T Red Force: Imran Khan (Captain), Yannick Ottley (Vice-Captain), Kyle Hope, Jeremy Solozano, Jason Mohammed, Tion Webster, Odean Smith, Anderson Phillip, Steven Katwaroo, Jon Ross Jaggesar, Keagan Simmons, Akeal Hosein, Darren Bravo, Isaiah Rajah, Mervyn Dillon (Coach), David Furlonge (Manager).
Windwards Volcanoes: Kirk Edwards (Captain), Kavem Hodge (Vice-Captain), Devon Smith, Desron Maloney, Alick Athanaze, Emmanuel Stewart, Keron Cottoy, Bhaskar Yadram, Ryan John, Shane Shillingford, Larry Edward, Ray Jordan, Shermon Lewis, Dillon Douglas, Andrew Richardson (Head Coach), Junior Murray (Assistant Coach).