Lugg looking to set Cool and Smooth T20 league alight
Published:Tuesday | April 18, 2023 | 1:06 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
JAMAICA Scorpions’ opening batsman Leroy Lugg, who is currently engaged in the Cool and Smooth T20 league in Antigua and Barbuda for defending champions Liberta Black Hawks, has stated that the league has surprisingly been highly competitive throughout the early stages.
“Surprisingly, the league is very competitive. My team, the Liberta Black Hawks, have a history of winning, so the majority of teams, whenever we play against them, often come with their ‘A’ game and give us a good fight. The league is very competitive and has a lot of skilful cricketers, and that’s good,” Lugg stated.
With scores of 37 and nine, respectively, for early leaders Liberta Black Hawks, winners of their three opening fixtures, Lugg believes it is important for them to continue winning their games in order to carry momentum throughout the league. He is also hoping to pick up form in time for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League draft.
“It’s very important to keep up the winning streak because I am new here, and I’m getting to understand that the Liberta Black Hawks have won five out of the eight championships, so it’s very important for us to maintain that record. We want to continue winning and keep that momentum going into the final and winning it (the competition) again.
“For me, it’s also important because as an overseas player, the team is depending on me, and I’m a regional batsman, and they expect me to score and score big. Also, with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) draft coming up in a couple weeks, it would be good for me to get some big scores, and hopefully, a franchise will give me an opportunity to play,” he said.
Lugg’s opening partner, Kofi James, is currently the leading run scorer in the competition, with 173 runs from three matches. Lugg believes batting with James atop the order has taken some pressure off him, which allows him to play his natural game.
“It has been really good because I’m not under any pressure as Kofi has been scoring at a good rate, and that has helped me to feel a bit more relaxed so I can take my time and express myself. It’s been a pleasure watching him play as he’s been batting really well,” Lugg added.
The Liberta Black Hawks will be in action on Wednesday in a top-of-the-table clash against the Pigotts Crushers, with Jamaican all-rounder Shalome Parnell in their ranks.