BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE recent success of the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the regional Super50 tournament, has been attributed to a number of changes made by management to the team’s lineup.
Director of the Hurricanes’ Cricket Operations Vernon Springer, pointed to the inclusion of several key players and improvements in the training regimen as the principles behind the team’s success.
He is now hopeful that the semifinals showing can be transitioned into the four-day format, an area the team has struggled in since the start of the Profession Cricket League (PCL).
“For the last four to five years, the Leeward Islands have been to the bottom of the table, so we had to make some drastic changes,” Springer said.
The Director noted that the several key players were included to “up the ante and bring quality” to the team, adding that this was not the first time that players were brought into the Leeward Islands outfit.
He pointed to 2015 where players were also included in the training squad.
“We did it again and we thought that it would bring an awareness, and secure the Leeward Islands Hurricane brand. This is because people would look at you in a different light - like what is happening here (with the losses).”
During a recent exclusive interview with SKNVibes Sports, Springer, who is no stranger to the media fraternity in the Federation, noted that the likes of Kieron Powell and Rhakeem Cornwall, among others have been playing together for a long time and are now working with the youngsters in the team to harness their skills.
“I think, all in all, the attitude of the guys were good. You saw them playing with a purpose. This is the third year of the PCL, and even though we would have faltered in the first two years it is a major improvement,” Springer noted.
Despite the second half of the tournament being already under, the Director is looking ahead to the 2017/2018 season where he expects bigger and better things from the franchise.
The Hurricanes, coming off their semifinal run, where they went under to the Barbados Pride by 110 runs, were trounced by an inning and 26 runs in the latest round of PCL action.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Barbados Pride post 313 with Shamarah Brooks stroking 63 and Ronston Chase adding a competitive 49.
The pick of the bowlers was Alzarri Joseph who bagged figures of 5 for 42.
In their first innings, the Hurricanes could have only mustered 163 all out. Following on, the team was skittled out for a meagre 124 with Kemar Roach the chief wicket-taker for the home side.
2.jpg)