GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Aug. 09.2018 – THE Carlos Brathwaite-led St. Kitts-Nevis Patriots are ready to rumble against the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the opening encounter for both teams in the 2018 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season.
At a press conference at the Guyana Marriott yesterday (Aug. 08), captains and coaches for both teams confirmed that their squads are prepped and ready to take to the field in this evening’s encounter.
Brathwaite, who is coming off a disappointing series with the West Indies, denied that his team was over reliant on hard-hitting T20 specialists, Chris Gayle and Evan Lewis coming out of the 2017 season. He noted that they are both world class players that stepped up during last year’s tournament.
He reminded that during that tournament the players batted deep into the inning, not leaving much work for the rest of the team.
“So hopefully they replicate the season from last year, and obvious that will take us far as we did and hopefully go one better and win the tournament,” said Brathwaite.
The West Indies T20 captain acknowledged that for all six seasons that he played in the biggest party in sport, he has never played a single match on the South American mainland. He recognized that the Guyana wicket often times play slow and favour the spinners.
Shoaib Malik, Captain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, also acknowledged that the he also has not played CPl in Guyana, but noted that preparations are going well.
“We did a lot of hard sessions over the past three days and now it is time to show up. I think it is the responsibility, especially from those senior players who have played here and the local guys” he intimated.
Amazon Warriors Coach, Johan Botha said his team is well prepared for their clash with the Patriots, stressing that they held several training sessions with his full squad.
Donovan Miller, Patriots’ Head coach noted that he had sessions with his unit in the federation before they departed to begin their quest for the new trophy on offer this year.
A large crowd is expected for the opening encounter, with the first ball being bowled at 6:00 p.m.
