PORT-OF-SPAIN – A hamstring injury has forced Kieron Pollard out of the Trinidad and Tobago team for this week’s quadrangular Twenty20 tournament in Barbados.
The tourney, a warm-up for the Caribbean T20 Championship, started yesterday with Trinidad and Tobago taking on the C.O. Williams All Star XI.
Team operations manager Omar Khan said the big all-rounder would be fit and ready to represent the reigning champions when the Caribbean T20 (CT20) Championship opens next Monday in Antigua.
Khan said Pollard was working aggressively on his hamstring injury and has given the word that he would be fit enough to join the Red Force in time for their first game against Windward Islands on the opening day at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.
“Pollard is currently working very aggressively on the hamstring injury with the team doctor and has [given the assurance] he would be ready to do battle for this country,” said Khan.
“As we all know, Pollard is a big name T20 player and having him around will boost our chances at defending the regional title.”
Pollard is expected to join the team on Saturday in Bridgetown before they fly out to Antigua on Sunday for the start of the CT20.
Khan said he was looking at the reserve players to bring home the quadrangular title, as the first step in a grand plan to retain the Caribbean T20 title.
“We have set ourselves goals for the upcoming season and this quadrangular series in Barbados comes at a very good time, with the series just ahead,” he said.
“We are looking to win this title and get the necessary momentum as we move on to Antigua for the start of the series.”
The other teams in the quadrangular tournament are Barbados and hosts Combined Campuses and Colleges.
Khan said the period in Barbados will also be used as team building sessions under new captain Denesh Ramdin.
“We will be doing a lot of team-building sessions and, as you know, we have a new captain and the management of the team intends to all that is necessary to assist him in building a powerful unit.
“Denesh has been well received by the players. He is well liked and the players respect him and this is a good start.” (CMC)
