T&T to receive mental boost for Jamaica clash

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Trinidad and Tobago national cricketers are to receive mental help to boost their preparation for the regional four-day semi-final round, following a series of disastrous performances against champions Jamaica and Barbados.

Management specialist Anthony Watkins is being recruited to hold a series of psychological sessions with the players ahead of their semi-final clash with Jamaica at Sabina Park from May 2.

Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president, Azim Bassarath, says he believes the players will benefit from the mental sessions.

"We are hoping to engage the players in some type of psychological session. We have engaged Anthony Watkins to do some work with the team," said Bassarath in an interview with the Express.

"I know there are some discussions going on with the CEO of the board and Anthony Watkins so we are hoping in that week, we are going to have at least one or two sessions with him and the national team."

Denesh Ramdin's men suffered a 10-wicket loss to Barbados in two days on the heels of a defeat inside three days at the hands of Jamaica at Sabina Park, after also losing inside three days to Windward Islands in their season opener.

The Trinidadians are without the services of six front-line players who are currently plying their trade in the lucrative Indian Premier League in India.

refocus

"We have some time available, and I am quite sure the players are aware that they must refocus and come out in a fighting mood in the semi-final," said Bassarath.

"Our players are extremely skilful, maybe even more skilful than the other players in the Caribbean, but it is evident that they are not putting out their best."

Sessions with the Trinidad and Tobago cricketers are expected to cover team development, teamwork, team building as well as other topics.

"With that week that is available to us, something will happen for the improvement of the Trinidad and Tobago cricket team," Bassarath insisted.