Rambaran and Racha eyeing Red Force debut

T&T Red Force will begin its quest for the team’s first first-class title in almost two decades against Combined Campuses and Colleges on Wednesday (January 29) at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, San Fernando, from 1 pm.

The last time the Red Force won was in 2006, Andrew Rambaran was a baby, and Aadian Racha was not yet born. Both are members of this year’s squad and can debut in today’s opener.

The home team will be without the services of regular captain Joshua Da Silva, Amir Jangoo, Jayden Seales, and Anderson Phillip, all on their way back from Pakistan with the West Indies team from international duty.

Assistant coach Reyad Emrit says the players are looking forward to the challenge. “Preparations have been decent. The only thing is that we didn’t have much outdoor practice, the former all-rounder noted.

Emrit added, “I think the guys are pretty well prepared; I think everybody is fit, and they are up for the challenge starting tomorrow (Wednesday).”

In addition to Seales and Phillip on West Indies duty, Shaaron Lewis and Shannon Gabriel are recovering from injuries, opening the doors of opportunity to Justin Manick (1 first-class match) and Racha (under-19 player).

Emrit confirmed Gabriel (who was bowling with the team with other players) is on his way back to full fitness, and they are hoping to have his services at some point during the tournament. This will be a boost for the Red Force, as both Seales and Phillip are expected to take up contracts in the English County Championship with Sussex and Lancashire, respectively.

Lewis is also hoping to be fit during the campaign to join the team to bolster the attack further.

The first ball is at 1 pm in the Day/Night affair.

TEAMS

Trinidad and Tobago

Bryan Charles (c ), Khary Pierre, Antonio Gomez, Tion Webster, Jason Mohammed, Joshua James, Cephas Cooper, Andrew Rambaran, Vikash Mohan, Justin Manick, Yannic Cariah, Aadian Racha and Jyd Goolie.

Combined Campuses and Colleges

Johann Jeremiah (c), Andre Bailey, Kyle Corbin, Damel Evelyn, Romario Greaves, Sadique Henry, Akeem Jordan, Avinash Mahabirsingh, Abhijai Mansingh, Kalvin Marcus, Shaqkere Parris, Demario Richards and Ojay Shields.

Wednesday’s Matches

At Providence: Guyana Harpy Eagles vs Barbados Pride

At Tarouba: T&T Red Force vs Combined Campuses and Colleges

At Coolidge: West Indies Academy vs Leeward Islands Hurricanes

At Arnos Vale: Windward Islands Volcanoes vs Jamaica Scorpions