Smith to defend Single wicket crown

Barbadian Dwayne Smith will defend the University of the West Indies (UWI) and Glory TV Caribbean Singlewicket Cricket tournament title on June 14 against 11 of the region’s top all-rounders.



In last year’s final, Smith defeated Guyanese Christopher Barnwell in a one-sided final. Smith slammed 46 in his allotted two overs, then reduced Barnwell to 11.



Other players that are confirmed to participate are Narsingh Deonarine (Guyana), Barnwell, Devon Thomas (Antigua and Barbuda), Rayad Emrit (T&T), Navin Stewart (T&T), Lendl Simmons (T&T) and Kevon Cooper (T&T).



Yesterday at a press conference at UWI, St Augustine, the organising committee stated that negotiations are ongoing with Andre Russell (Jamaica), Darren Sammy (St Lucia), Krishmar Santokie (Jamaica) and Indian Premier League superstar Kieron Pollard (T&T) to get them on board.



In the competition, each player will face two overs per innings in company of a runner. Each batsman has a maximum of three dismissals in each innings, however, three runs will be subtracted from the total with each dismissal. Neutral fieldsmen and wicketkeepers will also be used. The all-rounders will line up in four groups, with three players in each group. The top player in each group will advance to the semifinal stage.



William Wallace, Executive Chairman of the Singlewicket Cricket Foundation, was excited about the tournament. Wallace said: “This day, night event combines fast pace cricket action with pulsating entertainment. Our leading all-rounders will do battle to determine the ultimate all-rounder.”



The committee is calling on corporate T&T to come on board to support the tournament and make it more attractive.