Deonarine hoping to inspire Red Force to PCL title

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

After helping Guyana Jaguars to the first-class title last season, left-hander Narsingh Deonarine is now anxious to inspire Trinidad and Tobago Red Force to similar success in the upcoming WICB Professional Cricket League (PCL).

The 32-year-old Deonarine was one of the Jaguars' leading scorers with 514 runs at an average of 42 with two hundreds, a performance that saw the Georgetown-based franchise run away with the inaugural title.

He will suit up for Red Force this year after switching allegiances and believes he can play a key role in helping his new side overcome last season's nightmare run.

"I think my role will be very important as one of the most senior batsmen in the team. When you look at the team, there are a lot of young players in the side, and it is a good challenge for me to help the other players and be a leader in the team along with Rayad (Emrit), (Kevon) Cooper, and Ravi (Rampaul)," said the out-of-favour West Indies batsman.

"The youngsters look up to the senior players for help, so obviously, we are going to be there for them and try to do well for ourselves and the franchise. I am looking forward to the challenge, and I am sure we will end up on top of the table."

STRUGGLED FROM OUTSET

While Jaguars dropped just one game in an excellent campaign, Red Force struggled from the outset, losing six of their 10 games and winning just two.

At the heart of their struggles was poor batting, with only Jason Mohammed - with 587 runs - surpassing the 500-run mark.

Deonarine said once Red Force could improve this area, they would be title contenders.

"When you looked at the performance the Red Force had last year, it was definitely not up to standard," he pointed out.

The PCL bowls off next month.