Jamaican Bailey showcasing talent in Antiguan T20

The Cool and Smooth T20 competition in Antigua and Barbuda is still in its early stages, but already, a number of players have begun to show their true talent in the internationally recognised tournament.

Among those good performers is Jamaican all-rounder Andre Bailey, who capped off a fine man-of-the-match performance on Sunday to lead his team, the Liberta Blackhawks, to a comprehensive 53-run win over New Winthorpes Lions at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Bailey first stroked 42 runs from 33 balls in helping the Blackhawks get to 145 in 19.4 overs before the all-rounder came up big with the ball to bag three wickets for just seven runs to restrict the Lions to 89 for nine in 18.5 overs.

Bailey’s performance has so far helped the defending champions to their third win of the competition, and the Kingston Cricket Club representative was pleased that his contributions are bearing fruit for his franchise.

“In recent times, my all-round cricket has been making excellent strides and I have been getting some good performances back home as well with back-to-back centuries and 17 wickets in the Senior Cup, so I am glad that my form has continued here in Antigua,” said Bailey.

Bailey, who also represented the University of the West Indies, says being in the Blackhawks team with West Indies players Rahkeem Cornwall and Hayden Walsh Jr has been a blessing as he is getting first-hand knowledge of what it takes to be an international player.

“The team has welcomed me, and they have treated me like family since I have been here. Even in training the bond has been excellent, and I am looking to grow from strength to strength and learn from these good players,” Bailey said.

With the tournament being beamed worldwide, Bailey is hoping that his performances can be picked up by the global audience and he will attract some big franchises around the world.

“Seeing that the matches are streamed live, everyone is watching all over the world, so it is important that I put my best foot forward so that I can get my name out there,” he added.