The Guyana Harpy Eagles’ second practice match is from January 15 at the National Stadium, Providence.
It will be the traditional red-ball match, as the first match was the pink-ball due to the return of the day/night of the First-Class matches this season.
However, it ended within three days, and given the number of spots available, there were not many inspiring performances.
Not to harp at players in this counter, as traditionally, pink ball matches hardly go the full distance or are filled with high scores.
Among the uncapped players inking some semblance of an impression of the course of the pink ball match were Sachin Singh and all-rounders Richie Looknauth, Junior Sinclair, Thaddeus Lovell (5-45 & 2-44), and Jonathan Van Lange (41*).
Hunting a maiden First-Class appearance, Singh bolstered his aspirations as he made an even 50 (6x4s) from 124 balls.
Looknauth and Sinclair, potentially battling to fill the spot of Kevin Sinclair for the first Regional Four-Day match, had impactful performances.
Kevin, Gudakesh Motie, and skipper Tevin Imlach will miss the first round due to West Indies duties, while pacer Shamar Joseph will miss out due to injury.
Looknauth was unbeaten on 44 (9x4s) from 46 balls in the second innings and 25* in the first second innings, along with 1-29 from 13 overs, while Junior took 4-12 from 4.2 overs in the second innings.
Savory, who got 89 in the first innings, followed up with a brisk 48 (8x4s) from 47 balls. Akshaya Persaud also got 89 in the first innings, and pacer Joshua Jones got 4-55 and 2-14.
With the Harpy Eagles playing at home in the first match, only three spots will likely be available, given that Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, and Sherfane Rutherford are also unavailable due to franchise league commitments.
Judging solely on last season’s performances and who was then awarded contracts, the squad, and more so the playing XI, might not be filled with surprises.
From a tactical standpoint, an off-spinning all-rounder and a batsman for number six will be key in these conditions.
Furthermore, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Matthew Mandu, and Kevlon Anderson will be unavailable for this practice match as they are in Antigua for a spin camp conducted by Cricket West Indies.
Head Coach Ryan Hercules and Assistant Coach Garvin Nedd are also in Antigua.
Though the Eagles’ final dress rehearsal is void of critical experience, it offers fresh faces a chance to potentially ‘break down the door’ to a First-Class debut.
The practice match is scheduled to commence at 09:30h.
Savory’s XI: Kemol Savory (Captain & Wicketkeeper), Brandon Jaikarran, Raymond Perez, Zeynul Ramsammy, Sylus Tyndall, Richie Looknauth, Ashmead Nedd, Nityanand Mathura, Thaddeus Lovell, Isai Thorne, Chris Harry, Demeter Cameron, Rampersaud Ramnauth, Romario Ramdehol and Antony Adams
Coach: Andre Percival
Smith’s XI: Nial Smith (Captain), Sachin Singh, Rampertab Ramnauth, Adrian Sukwah, Usherdeva Balgobin, Jonathan Van Lange, Akshaya Persaud, Veerasammy Permaul, Riyaad Latiff, Joshua Jones, Bruce Vincent, Goolcharran Chulai, Afraz Ali Budhoo, Junior Sinclair, Ronaldo Alimohamed and Adrian Hetmyer
Coach: Felix Walker
Defending champions Harpy Eagles host Barbados Pride in their opening match on January 29.
