Source: Jamaica Gleaner
TWO-TIME Caribbean Premier League winners, Jamaica Tallawahs, are aiming to rebound from their first defeat of the tournament following a narrow two-wicket loss against the St Lucia Kings on Wednesday.
Captain of the Tallawahs, Rovman Powell, is hoping the team will put the defeat behind them and get back to winning ways.
“Things have been pretty good so far. Three matches, win two and lose one, a lot of teams would have taken that position. The last game was pretty much unfortunate, but such is the nature of the sport,” said Powell.
The 29-year-old Powell, who is currently in his second season as captain of the team, believes this season could be the most competitive one in the competition’s history.
“When you look at the composition of all the teams, all are evenly matched. So, when that happens it boils down to team performance on the day, and that is what cricket is all about.
“Years gone by in the CPL, you had teams that were so much better than others so people knew the result even before you play the game, but this provides something different not just for the players, but also the fans, so it’s pretty good,” Powell added.
The Tallawahs, after three games, are second in the six-team table, currently playing second fiddle to the Barbados Royals who are perfect, having won four of four games played. The Trinbago Knight Riders are fourth with three points.
Ahead of today’s highly anticipated clash against the Kieron Pollard-led Trinbago Knight Riders, starting at 9 a.m. Jamaica time, Powell believes his bowling unit will have a big part to play in order for a successful outing.
“It’s two power-hitting teams going at it, so persons will definitely be looking to hit sixes. But once the bowlers put the ball in the right areas and minimise those boundaries, it’s now a playing field where who takes the most singles or who plays smartest wins,” said Powell.
Also, Powell who is known for his vulnerability against spin bowling credits former Jamaica and West Indies batter Robert Samuels for guiding him through the rough patch and helping him to improve his game.
“The good thing is that Robert Samuels has known me since I was a child. I realise at the international level I had a little problem with spin, and all he did was to sit down with me and give me better options against spin.
“A lot of times as a big hitter, we don’t trust our defence and technique so he gave me more options to deal with spin and those seem to be working,” said Powell.