‘Underdogs’ have belief says Wright

The island squad has been boosted by the availability of some top players as, for the first time in years, the annual clash with Jersey stands as the sole focus with no ICC tournament on the horizon for the Sarnians.

As coach Ash Wright explained, that has allowed cricketers who are unable to make the considerable commitment required for international events to play themselves into contention for the inter-insular via domestic competition and seen recalls for Griffins pair Tom Kirk and Jason Martin as well as former pro Tim Ravenscroft.

‘We’ve always just wanted to play the best team we can get available but at different times, depending on what tournaments we’ve had, it required different efforts to get back into the team,’ Wright said.

‘It’s a one-off game so it’s a lot less commitment for people, which in turn meant more people were available for this one. If we end up with an ICC tournament [after an inter-insular], which requires more time to get ready for, then less people are available.

‘I’m really pleased with the squad. It is potentially one of the best squads I have been able to put out, there’s a lot of lads in form, we’ve got a lot of belief around us, we are still the underdogs but like always we are trying to do as much as we can to get on that field and give Jersey a good game.’

Wright also pointed to the cricket knowledge the likes of Ravenscroft and Kirk will bring to the group, which should prove helpful to Guernsey 50-over captain Ollie Newey, who took on the role at the start of 2018 but has had his opportunities to lead the island limited by the concentration on T20 cricket over the subsequent 18 months.

‘It’s been hard work for Ollie,’ Wright said.

Turn to Page 37‘When he was given the captaincy ... as always happens, the ICC ended up changing the rules and we’re not playing any 50-over cricket.

‘It will be a big day for Ollie as well because what also comes with the lack of captaincy is that he’s a 50-over batter and he hasn’t had much 50-over cricket. When you look at Ollie’s stats, I think the last tournament we played in 50-over cricket he was our top run scorer.

‘The nice thing for Ollie is he has got some really good sport there. Having Tim back is massive, TK and a few more people around with a cricketing brain and have a bit more support, it’s nice to go into a game, look at your team and think “this is a really good team, we’ve got a really good chance here”.’

Guernsey named a squad of 14 for the game to give themselves both options and cover, although Wright admitted in midweek that he and the team management have an XI in mind.

‘We’ve pretty much got our plan A, then depending on what happens on the day – bat first, bat second etc. – then we’ve got some flexibility in there,’ he said.

‘The one thing with all our batting line-ups, when you look at it, whoever plays we pretty much bat down to 11.

‘It’s just about people on the day playing with that intent and looking to score within their game plans and then we need a couple of batters to go big – 20s or 30s don’t win you games of cricket.

‘If a couple of people can get you 60-plus, then you are going to win games. The big thing for us with the batters is, whatever number you go in, play the way you play, but if you get in you’ve got to go big and win us a game.’

Wright, who announced this week that he will be returning to Sussex at the end of the season, joked that he does not know the key to beating Jersey because he has not done it in his tenure.

He describes the Caesareans as a ‘very good team’, but added that they are not unbeatable.

‘With this squad I feel very confident that we are going to play some good cricket. The lads will definitely be up for it.

‘From being here, I know the pinnacle is this Inter-Insular. For people from outside the island, including myself when I first got here because I just couldn’t get my head around it to be honest, it’s basically a friendly against your neighbouring island that’s got no ICC status or anything to it.

‘Yet now, from being here, you can see how important it is to both myself and the players and everyone on the island. You win a game like that and everyone thinks you’re the best team in the world, you lose and everyone thinks you’re toilet.

‘It’s your cup final. It will be a big day, hopefully we’ll get a lot of people down here, I know the lads are desperate to do well and they will put a good show on for us.’

Jersey go into the match without all-rounder Ben Stevens, fast bowler Julius Sumerauer and wicketkeeper Jake Dunford due to injury, but they include newcomer Nick Greenwood, who plays for Lancashire Seconds. Harrison Carlyon will keep wicket.

The match starts at 10.45am tomorrow at the KGV. Entry is free.

SQUADS

Guernsey: Ollie Newey (captain), Jason Martin, Luke Le Tissier, Josh Butler, Tim Ravenscroft, Will Peatfield, Matt Stokes, Ben Ferbrache, Tom Kirk, Jordon Martel, Tom Veillard, Lucas Barker, Nic Buckle, David Hooper.

Jersey: Charles Perchard (captain), Harrison Carlyon, Nick Ferraby, Nick Greenwood, Jonty Jenner, Dominic Blampied, Corey Bisson, Anthony Kay, Rhys Palmer, Elliot Miles, Will Robertson, Dan Birrell, Zak Tribe.