JERSEY may have won the T20 inter-insular series 3-0 away to Guernsey in resounding fashion, but they have shown Saturday’s 50-over fixture plenty of respect, naming a full-strength squad.
The Caesareans had their top talent available on Sarnian soil in May, as the T20 contests proved a valuable warm-up for a busy summer schedule of international cricket.
This weekend’s home tie, at Farmers Field, represents a season finale for most but head coach Neil MacRae has resisted any temptation to mix it up.
‘The 50-over match with Guernsey is a one-off game and that’s exactly how we are treating it,’ he said.
‘Both myself and the players have a huge amount of respect for the fixture and the rich history it holds. For the Island-born players, representing Jersey in an inter-insular always holds weight and they all want to be a part of the match. It also provides an opportunity for us to play our best cricket in front of our home fans.
‘Despite how well the team has played across two rounds of Challenge League tournaments and winning Group B, the lads are just as motivated for this fixture. Especially given the fact we will be playing in front of our home support.’
Jersey displayed an attacking style of cricket during the home stand of fixtures to conclude Challenge League Group B – a qualifier for the 2023 50-over World Cup – and MacRae is keen to build on that momentum.
‘I think the way we went about scoring during the summer is very exciting,’ he said.
‘Jimmy [Perchard] always produces a fine wicket at Farmers Field and our players really took advantage of that in the Challenge League.
‘Our aim is to continue in that fashion and put on a show to repay our home fans for all the support they have shown us throughout the summer.’
While the nucleus of the Jersey team remains very much intact, there are spots available for Charlie Brennan (16) and George Richardson (18), who will both be representing Jersey the following day in an under-18 boys inter-insular against the Sarnians.
MacRae said: ‘For George, it’s the first time he has been named in an inter-insular squad and the senior squad, while Charlie is a player who has been progressing well for the U19s and has been around the senior squad.
‘It’s an exciting time for both these young players and they have aspirations to represent the Island side at senior level as many times as possible.
‘Most of the players already have an eye on next year and the inter-insular will serve as the last opportunity to press for selection, so there is plenty on the line for our squad against Guernsey.’
Play is expected to begin at 10.30am tomorrow at Farmers Field.
