Darren Bravo will lead an experienced Trinidad and Tobago Red Force team for the 2023 Regional Super50 tournament, which bowls off October 17 in Trinidad,
The hosts begin their campaign on the opening day against the Combined Campuses and Colleges at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain. Guyana Harpy Eagles face Windward Islands on the same day at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba.
The 14-member squad, including just three players under 30, was announced on Monday, after the TT Cricket Board selectors, headed by chairman and coach David Furlonge, made their deliberations.
Bravo, 34, will be deputized by West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua Da Silva, who struck a brisk century in a practice match on Wednesday. Other seasoned campaigners include former captain Jason Mohammed, 37; mystery spinner Sunil Narine, 35; Evin Lewis, 31; and Shannon Gabriel, 35.
TT Red Force coach David Furlonge has backed the squad to make a good account of themselves and vie for the title.
On the composition of the squad, Furlonge said, “It’s a difficult task to select 14 players from the group we had. But in the end, the selectors came out thinking we have selected the best all-round team, both in batting and bowling – the most balanced team.”
On the choice to go with an experienced unit, Furlonge added, “Yuh want to go to win a tournament – yuh want to go with yuh experienced players.”
He said a few of the players have been around for some time but are now getting their opportunity in the national limelight.
“We have fellas like Kharry Pierre (32), (Kjorn) Ottley (33), Joshua Da Silva (25), Jayden Seales (22) – all those players are under 30.
“Tion Webster, this is his first Super50 tournament. Some of them have been around, but in terms of playing, they’re virtually new to it. Hopefully they do well.”
A surprise omission from the squad was batsman Cephas Cooper, who was named the Premiership Division’s Best Batsman, at the TTCB awards on September 30. He scored centuries in all three formats.
Asked about Cooper’s absence, Furlonge said he did not want to talk about individuals, noting that other players such as Imran Khan, Anderson Cooper, Bryan Charles and Dejourn Charles also missed out.
On the return of Bravo as skipper, Furlonge said he is happy with what the left-hander showed during the four-day season. “I think the captaincy brings out the best in his batting, so looking forward to that.”
Furlonge called on the TT public to come out and support the home team as they seek to finish one better than their runner-up performance in 2022.
“Up to weekend somebody was telling me they don’t know what crowd we will get because people disappointed with TKR performance. This is not TKR – we are representing TT. TKR is a franchise. We hope the crowd come out and support so we will do well for them.”
Red Force squad: Darren Bravo (captain), Joshua Da Silva (vice-captain), Kjorn Ottley, Tion Webster, Jason Mohammed, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine, Yannic Cariah, Jayden Seales, Shannon Gabriel, Terrance Hinds, Mark Deyal and Khary Pierre.
How many of the TTRF squad are from QPCC?
Furlong I tend to disagree with your views and comments. The youth is the future if given a chance to develop at the right time. Currently, they are being held up by the QPCC selection takeover.