Four-Day: Van Lange, Lovell replace Thorne, Joseph in Harpy Eagles squad

PRESS RELEASE || The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has announced a 13-man Guyana Harpy Eagles squad for the upcoming four-day warm-up match against the West Indies Academy, scheduled for May 10–13 at the Antigua Recreation Ground in St. John’s.

Headlining the squad is the maiden senior call-up for Jonathan Van Lange, a former Guyana Under-17 and Under-19 captain who recently featured at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

Head coach Ryan Hercules explained the decision: “Van Lange’s inclusion for the squad for the next round, obviously he would have played in the West Indies Under-19 World Cup recently, and he’s been a part of our contracted players’ list as well from a cricketing perspective.

“I think it would be a great opportunity for him to play some red-ball cricket, get some good mileage, where he could get enough time to improve on his game. This format would definitely help you improve once you get enough time to work with your plans.”

Hercules added that the youngster remains a long-term prospect for Guyana: “He’s a young player with lots of potential. We thought it was best to give him that opportunity to come and be a part of the group. He’s a good player, he has great work ethic, and definitely someone who is a prospect for the future.

“Hopefully he grasps the opportunity given to him and continues to grow from strength to strength and represent his country with pride.”

Van Lange, along with Thaddeus Lovell, replaces Isai Thorne, who is sidelined through injury, and Shamar Joseph, who is unavailable but is expected to return for the championship final.

The full squad reads: Tevin Imlach (Captain), Matthew Nandu (Vice-Captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kevlon Anderson, Kemol Savory, Richie Looknauth, Jonathan Van Lange, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Zeynul Ramsammy, Thaddeus Lovell, Nial Smith and Keemo Paul.

The fixture forms part of Guyana’s preparation for the Cricket West Indies Regional Four-Day Championship final on May 17, where the defending champions will face either Trinidad and Tobago Red Force or Barbados Pride.

(SOURCE: Guyana Cricket Board)