EXCLUSIVE: Deonarine fully fit, ready for regional return

By Avenash Ramzan

After being out of action for the past 14 months, Guyana and West Indies batsman Narsingh Deonarine is set to make a return to competitive cricket in Trinidad and Tobago in the coming weeks.

The Albion left-hander, who now resides in the twin-island republic, told News Room Sports during an exclusive interview on Wednesday that he is 100% fit after undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury sustained in November 2016.

Playing for Windward Islands Volcanoes against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in a Professional Cricket League Four-day game at Queen’s Park Oval, the experienced middle-order batsman sustained a right shoulder injury, which necessitated surgery in Trinidad and Tobago.

“I’m now 100% fit and ready to return to competitive cricket and I’m looking forward to the start of the season here in Trinidad,” Deonarine, 34, told News Room Sport.

Currently, Deonarine, who also bowls off-spin, is getting himself in condition for the impending season, hitting his straps in the nets for local club Merry Boys Sports Club. He is hoping to appear in all three formats this season- T20, 50-over and Three-day.

Deonarine, who made his senior regional debut for Guyana as a 16-year-old during the 1999/00 season, said his ultimate aim is to once again play regional cricket. 

“Retirement is definitely not on my mind at the moment. I still feel I have some years left and I’m working on my fitness to ensure I’m in top shape. I’ve been getting a few offers and I’m considering them at the moment. The aim though is to once again play regional cricket,” Deonarine said. 

Deonarine has appeared in 18 Tests, scoring 725 at an average of 25.89 with a best of 82. In 31 ODIs, he chalked up 682 runs at 26.23 with a top score of 65*. A veteran of First-Class cricket, Deonarine has played 136 games, notching up 7,467 runs at an average of 35.38. Of his 11 hundreds, 198 is the highest, to complement his 48 fifties. 

His off-spin has also brought 170 wickets at 31.54. In List A cricket, he has 2,208 runs at 24.80 with a career-best 102* being his lone ton.