CPL 2020: A big year for Tallawahs to make amends, says Powell

By Akeem Greene

Last season, two-time Caribbean Premier League champions, Jamaica Tallawahs finished in the cellar position with eight losses and just two wins. It was a disappointing performance for the team, which boasted the calibre of Christopher Gayle and Andre Russell.

Powell, who missed half of last season due to injury, will now take up the role as captain and felt it is imperative the side produces an improved performance.

“This year is a big year for Tallawahs; it is no secret that we didn’t perform well last year so this year we definitely looking to change that,” Powell said ahead of the tournament bowl-off on Tuesday.

Tallawahs lost three players from their initial squad for varying reasons, and Gayle and Assistant Coach Ramnaresh Sarwan opted out for personal reason, all of which Powell indicated are big blows.

“To lose Chris is a big loss, but even to lose Sarwan is a big loss but we got to be professional and put our best foot forward and just come out and play good cricket,” the Jamaican stated.

Powell said it is a privilege to the lead the “best in the world” in Russell and felt it was exciting times for him and the Tallawahs.

He felt with the draft picks they have made this year, their bowling has been solidified and there is great depth in the squad which makes them title contenders.

“The teams are closely matched and it is which squad starts to play well the fastest. Often times we have heard of good teams on paper, but what happens is that the guys don’t mesh together, so whichever team plays together and sticks together throughout this competition will be victors.”

Given the unusual but necessitated circumstances the tournament is being held under due to COVID-19, the 27-year-old wants to his teammates to quickly bond.

“We have guys here that want to play for us and we get the go-ahead from CPL to lime in big numbers, we will come together because all of us are from different backgrounds so it important for us to come as one and if we don’t come as one it will difficult for any team to win the competition.”

Guyana Jaguars players Veersammy Permaul and Ramaal Lewis are the Caribbean spinners who will complement the crafty Sandeep Lamichhane. Powell felt it is vital those players look to learn as much as they can from the international talent pool.

“Their role is good as an international spinner but every team going big on international spinners, our local spinners will have to step back and try to pick the brain of the international spinners and try to learn from them.”

Jamaica Tallawahs Squad: Rovman Powell (cpt), Andre Russell, Sandeep Lamichhane, Carlos Brathwaite, Glenn Phillips, Chadwick Walton, Oshane Thomas, Asif Ali, Fidel Edwards, Preston McSween, Jermaine Blackwood, Nicholas Kirton, Ramaal Lewis, Nkrumah Bonner, Veerasammy Permaul, Ryan Persaud.