ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier
The US National Men’s cricket team departs from the USA today bound for the United Arab Emirates to compete in the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier. The team of 15 players from all across the country will arrive in Abu Dhabi late Sunday evening and have their first practice session on Monday morning at the Abu Dhabi Oval.
The US National Team will be coached by Mr. Robin Singh who has overseen the US Men’s national programme all year. 2013 has been a busy year of international duties for the US team having won the ICC Americas Division One T20 Championships earlier in the year to progress to the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier.
“The team was undefeated in the ICC Americas Division One T20 Championships because we had a plan that we stuck to in every game, no matter how tough the opposition were. It is exactly that approach that we will need in Abu Dhabi if we are to reach our potential.
I know the conditions in Abu Dhabi very well and the coaching staff and I have devised a plan that should give us the edge over some of our opponents. The USA has a real opportunity to upset some of the more fancied teams and if we can stay focused throughout, I believe that we are capable of qualifying for the T20 World Cup next year” Mr. Singh said.
Leading the team for this important tournament is veteran Neil McGarrell who made his debut for the West Indies in the fourth Test against South Africa in Antigua in April 2001 taking an impressive four wickets. While primarily a slow left-arm bowler, McGarrell’s quickness and sure hands make him a dangerous fielder, especially close to the wicket.
McGarrell played first-class cricket for Guyana and Twenty20s until 2008 before moving to the US. He was upbeat about Team USA’s chances in Abu Dhabi;
“Having seen the guys in action at our training camp in October, I am impressed with the depth of talent we have. I believe that there is a good blend of experience and youthful talent which will become more important as the tournament progresses. Our focus and fitness will be important especially when we play team such as Uganda and Hong Kong late in the tournament. I hope that my experience will be useful to the guys when the games get tight.
It is an honor to lead the USA and I believe that if we can combine and execute our plans, we can make the top 6 and progress to the ICC T20 World Cup next year” McGarrell said.
Team USA will play Scotland in a warm up match on Tuesday 12th November.
