Cobo’s versatile TJ Ozanne is in the 18 selected for the World Division Six tournament. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0322452)
MATT OLIVER’S unavailability for the trip to Singapore in September has given the Guernsey cricket selectors a big headache.
The initial 18-man squad from which 14 players will be chosen to represent the island in the World League Division Six tournament, includes just one recognised keeper in young Tom Kimber.
But, as skipper Stuart Le Prevost admitted, there is also the option to use one or two part-timers, men such as Jeremy Frith and TJ Ozanne, who have both kept before.
The squad welcomes back GH Smit and Tim Duke, both of whom were unavailable for the successful Division Seven campaign in Guernsey in May.
‘They make a massive difference,’ said the skipper, who is glad to see them back and available for final selection.
‘I’m pretty happy with the squad overall, but missing Olly [Oliver] is a big blow.’
Replacing a skilful gloveman who also opens the batting is never easy, but in the current climate where the island has never been so short of keeping choices, is of concern.
The squad includes a number of emerging youngsters, other than Kimber.
James Warr’s all-round ability will surely make him a strong contender for a place in the 14, while David Hooper has been pressing hard all summer so far and Tom Kirk is an emerging young talent who can hit the ball hard, bowl off-spin and field well.
‘People have still got a bit of time to prove their worth,’ said the captain and two such individuals are TJ Ozanne, the versatile Cobo player, and Kris Moherndl who this week hit their maiden centuries in a re-arranged Barclays Wealth Evening League Division One game.
In scoring 219 for nought in 20 overs against St Pierre, Ozanne struck 104 and Moherndl 109. World Cricket League Division Six: Guernsey name provisional 18 for Singapore
Article posted on 2nd July, 2009 - 2.29pm
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