National cricket captain Daren Ganga yesterday described his team's performance after three days in its opening game against the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) as disappointing and said T&T paid a heavy price for failing to adapt to the challenges. T&T was dismissed for 107 in reply to the CCC team's first innings of 234. Batting a second time the CCC reached 105 for four, a lead of 232 and Ganga and his team have little chance of a come from behind win as yesterday's third day was completely rained out.
"It was a disappointing effort. We failed to adapt to the conditions? presented to us and paid heavily. It was a total lack of application?in adapting to the challenges," Ganga said. The T&T captain who topscored with 44 in his team's innings said there was a lack of focus in the batting which was undermined by T&T-born left-arm spinner Kavesh Kantasingh. Kantasingh who played for the West Indies at the Under-15 World Cup in England a decade ago, bamboozled his compatriots to capture a career-best six wickets for 29 runs from 12.4 overs. The CCC were set to resume on 105 for four in their second innings, and looking to push for a victory in the first round match at Jarrett Park with opener Omar Phillips on 51, and captain Floyd Reifer on eight.
But persistent showers forced the day's play to be abandoned. Reflecting on the team's performance, coach Kelvin Williams said the batsmen failed to take advantage of a perfect batting wicket.?" The batters did not capitalise on a perfect batting wicket. They did not apply themselves. (Kavesh) Kantasingh bowled in consistent areas, which really meant that our batters did not make the adjustments. They did not show patience.?I hope they have learnt from their mistakes and make the adjustments in the future," Williams said.
Manager Colin Borde said the batting was a reflection of the fielding effort.?He said there was a lack of focus in the approach to the game and the players did not put enough thought and attention to the task at hand. "The game is about assessment and adjustment. We did neither.?We have discussed this as a team and I am sure all the requisite adjustments will be made," Borde said. The two-island republic felt the absence of Adrian Barath, the Bravo brothers, Dwayne and Darren, as well as?Kieron Pollard either through injury, or extra-regional playing commitments.