Friday, July 4 2008

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Under-19 spinner, Javed Boodram believes that the squad is amply prepared for the TCL Group West Indies Under-19 Cricket Challenge which will be played in Barbados.

The national under-19 team completed a five day camp yesterday, focused on physical and mental preparation. “The preparation has been good, it was very intense with a lot of fitness work which has the team really prepared for the tournament.

There was also a mental workshop for four days and this has combined to help the team and has left us pumped up for the tournament” said Boodram. He explained that the team has been gelling in practice and are confident of their chances at the regional under-19 tournament.

Boodram is playing in his first regional under-19 series after graduating from the national under-17 team which won the Sir Garfield Sobers School Boys Under-19 tournament in Barbados last year.

“I am a bit nervous but I have played under-21 cricket and with the first team in club cricket so I don’t expect it to be anything big, but I am really excited at representing Trinidad and Tobago at the under-19 level and I just want to get out there and do my best” said Boodram.

Traditionally the wickets in Barbados favour fast bowlers, but Boodram with prior knowledge of the conditions expects to be a major factor at the tournament.

“I have set several goals for this tournament, I am aiming to get the most wickets at the tournament and gain as many five wicket hauls as possible and enable Trinidad and Tobago to win this tournament.

The players from the other teams do not like slower bowling and I am just concentrating on bowling line and length and capitalising on their weakness” said Boodram. He noted that the team is a very good all-rounded unit and are like a family and such factors will prove integral while playing.

“The trust is a big help, because when you are in the wicket you need that trust in running between the wickets and communicating.

“The guys are up to scratch with everyone where they need to be, the batsmen are looking good in the nets and the bowling looks nice.

“Everyone is now approaching their peak and we will be ready for key matches against Jamaica and the Leeward Islands,” said Boodram.