The T&T Red Force will battle second place Barbados Pride at the National Cricket Centre today as matches in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL), continues.
Jason Mohammed’s team won their last two matches against Jamaica at Sabina Park and the Leewards Hurricanes at the NCC, and will be looking to continue that run of form.
However, Red Force will be without the services of inspirational opener Evin Lewis who has been called up to the West Indies team for the World T20 currently on in India. Lewis who has been in rich form for the Red Force replaces Lendl Simmons who was ruled out with a back injury.
The team will however be boosted by the return of the talented middle order batsman Darren Bravo. The left hander is back to full fitness. Originally selected for the West Indies team for the World T20, the dapper left-hander turned down the offer saying he would prefer to play in the regional four-day tournament, as he thinks it will be ideal preparations for him, given his Test ambitions this year.
Young Alescon Comets bowler Bryan Charles has been rewarded for his performances in the domestic league with a call up at the expense of Akeal Hosein.
Manager of the team Roland Sampath said: “The presence of Darren Bravo on the team is a major boost and he will definitely motivate the guys out there. Everyone knows his ability and we will be looking forward to something special from him.”
Sampath was also optimistic that all rounder Rayad Emrit will play after he was carried off the field with a knee injury against the Leewards two weeks ago. “Emrit has recovered nicely and the break in the tournament worked well for him. He had a good work out today and I am confident he will play, although a decision on his availability will be made just before the match. T&T Red Force goes into the game on 74 points and in third place, while Barbados Pride are in second spot with 106.
West Indies Test fast bowler Kemar Roach is back from injury after four weeks as the only change to the Barbados Pride 13-man squad. The 27-year-old Roach replaces opening batsman Kyle Corbin.
Roach, who has 122 wickets at 30.23 runs apiece in 37 Tests, pulled up with a hamstring complaint after bowling only 3.1 overs on the opening day of the sixth round match against Windward Islands Volcanoes at Kensington Oval on February 12. The injury was then described as a “Grade 1 tear to the right hamstring”.