ICC World Cup Qualifiers
By Ravendra Madholall in Toronto
Fast-bowler Jeremy Gordon has uttered deep confidence of performing well again for Canada at the 2014 International Cricket Council (ICC) 50-over World Cup Qualifiers tournament.
Jeremy Gordon.
He made this declaration on Friday when the Canadian team departed at the Pearson International Airport in Toronto destined to host nation New Zealand.
The Guyanese cricketer is looking to replicate his form from the recently concluded ICC T20 W/C Qualifiers in Dubai where he was outstanding snaring 11 wickets during the championship. Canada was eliminated though having triumphed in only two of their seven matches.
“Yes, I [am] very confident of doing well for Canada again this time in the 50-over version; I was disappointed that we didn’t qualify for the T20 but we just have to put that aside and focus now on this tournament,” the 26-year-old right-arm bowler declared.
Canada will be among several other associate teams vying for qualification and to be part of the global event in early 2015 billed to be played in Australia and New Zealand. They have been placed in Group A which included Scotland, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Hong Kong and Nepal.
The action bowls off on January 13 with the North American boys confronting their newest rivals UAE.
“Obviously, it is a different format of the game and new venues but I think we as a team better prepared for this tournament and ready to make an impression; Canada has done well over the years in this version and would want to keep up the good work,” Gordon, a former West Indies under-19 reserved player, also related.
Notably, Canada had participated in the last three world cup tournaments, ranging back from 2011, 2007, 2003 while their inaugural featuring was in 1979 when former Windward Islands player Brian Mauricette captained the side.
According to Gordon, the team is anxious to play in this form but they will not take any team for granted. He believes the side carries a good all-round strength and the guys have also shown lots of enthusiasm and commitment in preparations for this major assignment.
On the last tour, Gordon, who plays for Brampton Master Tranzac Sports Club in the Toronto and District Cricket Association Elite League, attributed his personal success to great determination and commitment.
“I just wanted to do well for Canada; it was a great honor to represent your country despite ended on the losing side but we have high hopes now to go back to the World Cup; in Dubai, I worked very hard and was very determined to take wickets on a regular basis, so I am looking to continue in New Zealand,” Gordon stated.
Earlier last year at home in Canada, Gordon was also successful picking up two eight-wicket hauls against the Netherlands and UAE in the four-day Intercontinental Cup while he counting on his experience and exposure for Guyana at the highest level.
He made his debut for Canada 2011 in the West Indies Cricket Board regional T20 tournament while several months after he toured with the Canadian side in Scotland for his first four-day and one-day appearances.
Meanwhile, the team will be led by veteran all-rounder Jimmy Hansra, taken over the captaincy from Ashish Bagai who made a sudden retirement just after the selection of the touring party. Andy Pick is the new coach having replaced former West Indies batsman Gus Logie who was part of the losing contingent in Dubai.
Hansra via a press release also commented on the side’s preparation camp and declared they worked on specific scenarios for this trip in New Zealand. He is also cognizant of the opportunity that lays ahead with only two spots available for the 2015 mega event.
Ireland and Afghanistan have already qualified as the other two associate teams.
