Bramble, Rutherford to play for CWI Representative Team

By Akeem Greene

Guyana Jaguars’ players Anthony Bramble and Sherfane Rutherford have been selected by Cricket West Indies (CWI) to play on a CWI Representative Team at the Global T20 Canada League from June 28 to July 15 at Maple Leafe Cricket Club near Toronto.

News Room Sport was informed by a usually reliable source on Monday (June 4) of the duo’s ascension to the maroons, which came on the back of their commendable 2017-18 season for the Jaguars in the Professional Cricket League.

The source also stated that Bramble, who is wicketkeeper/batsman by trade, will serve as captain for the Caribbean side in the tournament. It is also understood that upon the culmination of the tournament, Rutherford will join CWI’s fast-bowling clinic in Antigua.

Bramble chalked up 613 runs in the Four-day tournament at an average of 47.16, while striking a career-best 196 not out. He also effected 45 dismissals. In the Super50,  the 27 year-old scored 116 runs and had 12 dismissals.

Nineteen-year-old all-rounder Rutherford, playing in his first full season, made 383 runs in the Four-day, averaging  just over 38, and collected 22 wickets with a best of 6-32. In the Super50, his favoured version of the sport, he tallied 163 runs at a strike rate of 90.05 and bagged four wickets.

The T20 League is set to feature stars such as Steve Smith, David Warner, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Shahid Afridi and Dwayne Bravo.

The franchises listed to play for honours are Vancouver Knights, Winnipeg Hawks, Montreal Tigers and Edmonton Royals, who were originally named the Ottawa Royals.

The sixth team will be a Caribbean All-Stars side consisting of West Indian domestic players. In the coming days, CWI is expected to release the full squad.

Meanwhile, Guyana off-spinner Steven Jacobs was snapped up by the Knights, while Dilon Heyliger and Jeremy Gordon, Guyanese who are plying their trade overseas, were also bought at the draft.