As the Cricket West Indies Academy prepares to face Emerging Ireland in a two-match first-class series, head coach Rayon Griffith is emphasizing the importance of consistency and continued improvement for his team.
The CWI Academy, coming off a successful 2-1 victory in the One-day series against Emerging Ireland, is gearing up for the first of two first-class matches scheduled to start at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) on Saturday. Coach Griffith is setting higher standards and looking forward to seeing his side build on their performances from the One-day series.
Griffith emphasized the need for significant contributions from the batsmen, with a particular focus on century-makers. He expressed the desire to witness players scoring big hundreds, batting through multiple sessions, and demonstrating the ability to take control of a day’s play. Additionally, Griffith stressed the importance of players maturing not only on the field but also in terms of personal growth and character development.
Positive outcome of One-day series
Reflecting on the recently concluded One-day series, Griffith acknowledged the setback of losing the opening match but praised the team’s resilience and determination to bounce back and secure the series win. He noted that the young players displayed courage and the right mindset to fight back after the initial defeat.
Griffith commended the consistent performance of left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop, who showcased control and skill throughout the series. He also highlighted the composure of left-handed opener Matthew Nandu, who excelled at the top of the order despite challenging conditions that favored bowlers.
Guyanese pace bowler Isai Thorne, known for his hostility and penetration during the West Indies Under-19 tour to Sri Lanka in August, has been added to the CWI Academy squad for the upcoming red-ball matches. Thorne’s inclusion adds depth to the squad’s bowling options, providing additional firepower.
Series for high-quality playing time
The series against Emerging Ireland serves as a valuable opportunity for both teams to gain high-quality playing time and test their skills against each other. It offers a platform for young talents to showcase their abilities and further their development as cricketers.
As the CWI Academy shifts its focus to the red-ball format, Coach Griffith and his team are eager to meet the challenges ahead and continue their journey of growth and improvement in the sport.
