Friday, July 4 2008

Trinidad and Tobago Under-19 all-rounder, Yannic Cariah stated that he is confident and excited ahead of the TCL Group West Indies Under-19 Cricket Challenge 2008 which will be held in Barbados..

The national under-19 team departed for Barbados on Wednesday and will start the three day tournament against Jamaica at the Banks Cricket Ground on Sunday.

“The preparation has been really good, I am mentally and physically prepared for this tournament and it is just about executing. We have been doing everything in training, working on our strengths and improving our weaknesses” said Cariah.

The Clico Preysal player is one of the key members of the national under-19 team and much will be depending on him if Trinidad and Tobago are to be victorious at the regional youth tournament.

“I have been working hard on my batting and recently went back to the basics. I have been watching the ball come onto the bat and working on my technique” said Cariah.

He added that his leg-break bowling has been developing and has been concentrating on being able to pitch the ball in the areas he wants and working on his consistency.

Cariah emerged as one of the top players for the national under-17 team which won the Sir Garfield Sobers School Boys Under-19 tournament in Barbados last year, finishing with the most runs and believes that his prior knowledge of the playing conditions is a massive advantage.

“There are several of us who graduated from the national under-17 team and we are accustom playing together.

We also did well in Barbados winning the Sobers tournament and will be telling the other guys who have not played there what to expect. I think I am suited to the conditions there because I like the ball coming onto the bat” said Cariah. He added that the experience playing for Clico Preysal in the Eastern Credit Union National League has been invaluable, playing against national players from Trinidad and Tobago and other islands has enhanced his game.

Cariah also commended coach Larry Gomes and Adrian Barath for the role they have played with the team this far.

“I played with Adrian before at the under-15 level and he is a very good captain, person and player.

He is always willing to give you advice and give any assistance.

Larry being a former West Indies player and a good batsman has been very helpful in giving advice and it is really a privilege to work with him” said Cariah.

He explained that team is hungry for success and is going to Barbados as a confident unit.