Keemo Paul, the Guyana Jaguars’ big-hitting all-rounder said racking up his maiden First Class ton has only increased his appetite to score bigger and more consistently; as he plans to keep churning out match-winning performances for the defending champs.
The 19-year-old hard-hitting batsman told this publication on the eve of the third round clash against the Leeward Hurricanes, that his second innings knock of 107 from 129 balls against Jamaica Scorpions was a very special innings and one which he had been waiting on for some time now.
“It meant a lot to me because it was my first hundred, I always wanted to score a First Class hundred and I finally got it this year. It was a great feeling but I’m not satisfied because I want to score more hundreds and I worked very hard for it, the coaches helped me a lot also because after the first innings, we sat and discussed what were my goals for the season and how I was going to get them and scoring a hundred was one of them,” explained Paul.
The former U19 World Cup winning Vice-Captain had failed in the first innings against Jamaica but showed signs of aggressive sportsmanship as he hit a four and a six in his 12 off 8 deliveries. Admitting that he had done some mental work ahead of the second innings Paul said, “I had a clear mind I just wanted to bat and get a big score because I knew what lead we had in mind, so I was in no rush I wasn’t thinking about a hundred but once I passed 50 and saw there was still time I told my partner I was going for the hundred and thanks to God, I got it.”
One of three fast-bowling all-rounders in the team alongside Romario Shepherd and Sherfane Rutherford, Paul has shown great maturity over the past few months whether it be the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) or domestically. He noted that his improvements batting-wise, could be attributed to the minor technical adjustments as well as his approach when out in the middle.
“I altered my batting stance and also my bat lift and that was the cause behind my success while batting. Also, like i said I had no thoughts really, just playing with a clear head and my plan was to bat long and try to get a big score. It was very important that I started my season off on the right foot,” Paul admitted.
As customary, Guyana got off to a brilliant start this season winning their first two matches against the Scorpions and Windwards Volcanoes in quite comfortable fashions. Heading into round three Guyana will be taking with them tons of confidence after sitting steady in top spot but the Essequibian was adamant that his role as a big player in the team was only now beginning.
“Well I have already set my goals for the season, I don’t set it by rounds or who we play against because every game is a challenge and I look forward to new challenges. So definitely I will be looking to make an impact in this game whether it is with bat or ball,” he said.
In closing the V-Net Communications brand ambassador said apart from his coaching and training, his family has been playing a key role in his progression. “I must mention my family who has been behind me tremendously so definitely I want to keep shining for them and for my country. Like I said I’m not satisfied, this (maiden hundred) just drives me to go out there and put in more good performances,” he ended.
