Tallawahs buzzing with excitement

FRESH OFF the West Indies’ T20 International cricket series against New Zealand, hard-hitting all-rounder Rovman Powell, captain of the Jamaica Tallawahs, is upbeat heading into the inaugural season of the SKYEXCH 6IXTY tournament.

The Men’s SKYEXCH 6IXTY cricket tournament is set to bowl off today, with the Jamaica Tallawahs up against home team St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Heading into the competition, Powell agreed that with the new format, it might take some time getting used to the new rules.

“I think it’s a good feeling all around, the guys are ready and raring to go. We had a little talk with the guys and the excitement is buzzing, so hopefully we have a good showing as a team,” said Powell.

“I’ve played in a few T10s before, and this one seems a little different. It will take a little getting used to, so hopefully the transition becomes easy,” added Powell.

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The Jamaica Tallawahs will be without the services of Andre Russell, following his switch to the Kieron Pollard-led Trinbago Knight Riders.

Powell admitted that the 34-year-old Russell can’t be replaced, but it will take the effort of the team working together to fill that void.

“Extremely big loss. I don’t think any cricketer in the Caribbean can replace Russell. So, we’re not trying to fill the void, but build an impenetrable unit, where each guy supports each other, instead of relying on one or two persons,” the Tallawahs captain explained.

The SKYEXCH 6IXTY is a precursor to the annual Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 cricket competition. In the 2021 season of the CPL, the Jamaica Tallawahs registered six defeats in their 10 group-stage matches.

Powell is of the belief that using the SKYEXCH 6IXTY tournament as a preparation stage could prove pivotal heading into the 10th staging of the CPL.

“That’s what we’re going to use the 6IXTY as, using it as a scouting ground. But we’re still looking to win and fill the void we have in our team,” he admitted. “For instance, if we have a death bowling problem, we put on two death bowlers, and they kind of auction for the spot to be the team’s death bowler when the CPL starts.”

The Jamaica Tallawahs will boast having two former West Indian legends in their corner, with Shivnarine Chanderpaul (head coach) and Curtly Ambrose (assistant coach). Powell is also banking on their experience to propel the team in the upcoming tournament.

“This is a team that has a lot of cricket knowledge behind it, so hopefully with that knowledge, you can see it out in the field,” said Powell.