JERSEY Men’s cricketers are set to travel to Leeds today to take on the Zimbabwe A Under 25 side for a pair of one-day matches.
New Farnley Cricket Club play host to both tomorrow and Friday’s contests and, despite captain Chuggy Perchard’s absence, ӣƵ have named a strong squad to take on the Zimbabweans – a fully associated Test-playing nation.
ӣƵ head coach Paul Hutchison said: “We are really looking forward to the games against Zimbabwe ‘A’, who we know will be strong.
“It’s a great opportunity for the players to play and learn in a different environment against a different opposition.
“There are one or two players unavailable for the games, which opens up opportunities for others to take their chance and show us what they are capable of.”
Named in the squad is St Ouen Springfield opening batter Patrick Gouge – fresh off the back of consecutive centuries in the Belasko Channel Island League.
Hutchison admitted that he has been impressed with Gouge, adding: “Someone like Paddy Gouge is a perfect example of this. He has achieved back to back 100s in the past week so will be coming into these games full of confidence knowing he’s going to get game time, which wasn’t the case on our recent trip to Germany.
“Chris Carnegie has also been brought in so we can get a closer look on how he has developed with his time at Oxford University.
“Chris is another left-arm seamer who, along with Scott Simpson, provides us with genuine alternative bowling options, which is great for a captain and coach.”
With the next international tournament not until 2025 for the Caesareans, this is an excellent opportunity for Hutchison and his new staff to see how the squad is shaping up and put them under the microscope against what will be a very strong side.
“I just want to see energy,” Hutchison concluded.
“Whether with bat, ball or in the field, bring 100% energy to your game and you will achieve your maximum output.
“We have a really good young squad with bags of potential. This will be a great opportunity for someone to really stamp their authority on this new regime and I’m looking forward to seeing how the boys rise to the occasion.”
ӣƵ squad: Jonty Jenner (c), Daniel Birrell, Dominic Blampied, Charlie Brennan, Toby Britton, Harrison Carlyon, Chris Carnegie, Jake Dunford, Patrick Gouge, Scott Simpson, Julius Sumerauer, Zak Tribe, Ben Ward
