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Heaven in Powell’s corner - JCA boss backs all-rounder for Tallawahs captaincy

Published:Sunday | April 26, 2020 | 12:00 AMRobert Bailey - Gleaner Writer
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President of the Jamaica Cricket Association, Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven, says he is not surprised by the decision of the management of the Jamaica Tallawahs to leave captain Chris Gayle off their roster for this season’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) competition.

The Tallawahs are set for a major shake-up ahead of the start of this season after a disappointing campaign last season, when they finished at the foot of the points table. The Jamaican franchise lost eight games and won only two. Floyd Reifer is also expected to take over as head coach, replacing Donovan Miller, while Gayle has joined up with the Daren Sammy-led St Lucia Zouks.

Heaven told The Sunday Gleaner that he is backing the appointment of all-rounder Rovman Powell to lead the Tallawahs.

“I was not totally surprised by this move by the Tallawahs, and to be honest, I expected changes to be made,” said Heaven. “I figured that the Tallawahs would have to send a message in order to continue to get support, and so I think this is their way to send a strong message,” he said.

“I believe the management and the owners of the Tallawahs are making a business decision, and they are looking at the fact that last year the Tallawahs placed last,” Heaven said.

He added: “I think the decision about Chris is a business one, that they could not continue with business as usual in the midst of coming last in the tournament last year. I believe that you have to make changes. Chris is a high-profile player and they (Tallawahs management) figure that this will send the right message.”

Powell captained the Tallawahs in two matches last season before injury put an end to his campaign.

INTELLIGENT CRICKETER

Heaven underlined that the 26-year-old Powell has grown to become a very intelligent cricketer over the years and he will back any decision to appoint him as the next captain of the Tallawahs.

“I would support Rovman’s appointment because he captained the West Indies (T20) for three matches. It is our view that he has the potential and will be a capable player once he settles down,” Heaven said.

“He will get the respect of all the other players because they are generally in the same age group, and if you notice with the Jamaica team, all of the players are really peers, and in any activity that requires teamwork that is very important,” he added.