Out-of-favour West Indies fast bowler Ronsford Beaton will make an attempt to reverse his fortunes with the national side and hopefully the regional team, as he was named in Essequibo’s squad for the upcoming Cricket Guyana Inc. 50-over Franchise League.
The 27-year-old, who was suspended from bowling by the ICC in May 2018, was cleared in August 2018.
However, Beaton last played competitive cricket at the regional level for West Indies ‘B’ against Trinidad and Tobago in the Super50 held in October 2018. From 32 List A matches, he has 43 wickets at an average of 29.09 and economy rate of 5.12.
All-rounder Keemo Paul is the next player with West Indies experience on the squad. Antony Adams will captain the side.
Dashing wicketkeeper/batsman Kemol Savory will hope for another good season to finally beak into the national team, while there is the power-packed Quintin Sampson in the line-up as well.
Ricardo Adams and Kevon Boodie are the other senior national players.
Full Squad: Antony Adams, Keemo Paul, Ricardo Adams, Kemol Savory, Nealand Codogan, Parmesh Parsotam, Akinie Adams, Kevon Boddie, Quintin Sampson, Nokta Moses, Joshua Jones, Mark Williams, David Williams and Ronsford Beaton.
Meanwhile, Head Coach of the defending champions, Ryan Hercules is most confident his troops can retain championship title once the players step up to the task and continue to do the basics correctly.
Speaking to News Room Sport on Wednesday, he stated, “Defending the title for me is going to be a very challenging one; we had nothing to lose before but now the title is on the line. The guys need to bring their A game, they would have played cricket with all the players and knowing their strength and weaknesses is a plus for Essequibo.”
According to the former national player, their strength is having numerous players returning from last year and the fresh faces being part of active cricket.
“The greatest strength to me is having the same side as last year with one change being made…with Keemo Paul in good form, Adams, Savory, Boodie, Sampson, Ricardo Adams, playing a lot of cricket in Georgetown and doing well. Also players in the Academy training on a daily basis; hopefully they can bring that good form to the team.”
On the aspect of the importance of this tournament for Beaton, who has played two One-Day Internationals, the former pacer felt it is of great significance in the resuscitation of his career.
“I think it’s a pivotal tournament for Beaton knowing the potential he has as a player…he is a great guy to work with and have good leadership skills. I’m looking forward to having him again this season and I’m sure we will be putting in the extra work to help him regain a spot in the regional team.”
The Franchise will have a practice match Friday before their first match against Georgetown on Sunday at the Georgetown Cricket Club.
