Legions throw full support behind suspended James

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

COACH OF the Trinidad and Tobago Legions, Rayad Emrit, has pledged to give suspended all-rounder Joshua James whatever support is required to help him make the necessary adjustments to his bowling action.

James was suspended from bowling after he was reported for a suspect action in the Legion’s first two games of the West Indies Breakout League against the Barbados Pelicans and Guyana Rainforest Rangers on April 25 and 26, respectively.

On April 30, CWI issued a release which confirmed James’ suspension, stating that a report from the independent assessor at Loughborough University found his bowling action to be illegal, resulting in a bowling suspension from all West Indies international matches and regional matches.

James was impressive in both matches, grabbing two for 21 from three overs versus the Pelicans and three for 35 from four overs against the Rainforest Rangers the next day, with T&T winning both contests.

Emrit told the Newsday that James had already started rehabilitative work and was in good spirits.

“Joshua has been doing a lot of rehabilitation work and he seems fine. We are here to support him and he needs that support.

“He’s a very good talent and he’s someone who’s going to be recognised for the West Indies in the future,” Emrit said.

“We have started work with (Joshua) already. We started work on April 28 and the work is ongoing. It’s definitely going to impact our team and the team selection.

“He’s a very integral member of the team. We’re a seam bowler short in that aspect and that’s why we had to bring in (left-arm pacer) Shaaron Lewis against Jamaica,” he explained.

Emrit said he expected James’ rehabilitation to be a smooth process with few setbacks.

“Moving forward, I don’t think it’s a big problem. It’s going to be sorted out and he’s going to be okay within the coming weeks. He’s already been processed,” Emrit pointed out.

“The suspension is because of a particular ball. When he’s trying to execute his yorkers …when he seems to put that extra effort into that delivery. It’s nothing major at this point in time. He played a whole four-day season and bowled well, so I don’t think it’s anything major at this point in time.”