Tallawahs eager to get going
Published:Thursday | August 13, 2020 | 12:17 AMRobert Bailey/Gleaner Writer
Having been in quarantine for almost two weeks in Trinidad and Tobago, ahead of the start of this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) competition, Jamaica Tallawahs captain Rovman Powell said that the players are eager to return to the field of play.
The Tallawahs, who arrived in the twin-island republic on August 2, have been in quarantine since, as part of the protocols and guidelines that have been set out by the organisers of the CPL and the Trinidad and Tobago government. The tournament will be held from August 18 to September 10.
“I think that things so far have been good because the guys have accepted that there have to be a quarantine period before the start of the competition,” said Powell. “Research has shown how important the quarantine and testing period is in stopping the spread of the virus, and so it is a very important period for us.
“I am very anxious, and I can speak for the other players in the Tallawahs set-up. We are really excited to get out there and to get a feel of what we will be up against with regard to the conditions, and start making our solid plans,” Powell added.
The all-rounder underlined that the team’s disappointing last-place finish last season is still fresh on the minds of the players, and that they will be looking to make the most of their preparation for the start of the six-team tournament.
“We officially start training in about two days, but before that, we have some little gym sessions,” Powell shared.
“The guys are in good spirits and I have spoken to each and everyone and they are just raring to go for the competition to start,” he said.
The Tallawahs will bow into action on August 19 when they tackle the Darren Sammy-led St Lucia Zouks at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. They will then take on hosts Trinbago Knight Riders the following day.
NO GAYLE THIS TIME
The Tallawahs will have to do so without former captain Christopher Gayle, who opted out of this year’s competition after he had signed to the St Lucia Zouks after he was not retained by the Jamaica-based franchise.
The Tallawahs have, however, acquired the services of all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, who was released by the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, along with Pakistani batsman Asif Ali.
The other members of the squad are Glenn Phillips, Andre Russell, Chadwick Walton, Oshane Thomas, Nkrumah Bonner, Fidel Edwards, Veerasammy Permaul, Ryan Persaud, Nicholas Kirton, Jermaine Blackwood, Ramaal Lewis and Preston McSween.