Key Players Back in Action as Royals Gear Up for Home Matches

The Barbados Royals, one of the only two undefeated teams in the CPL 2024 along with the reigning champions, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, are set to return to full strength for their forthcoming home matches, starting with a clash against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in Bridgetown on September 11.

David Miller and Keshav Maharaj have rejoined the team, and Alick Athanaze is also available for selection after recovering from a finger injury that kept him out of last week's game against the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots. Both players were rested for South Africa's upcoming tour of the UAE but are now primed for the remainder of the CPL season. Dunith Wellalage, the Sri Lankan all-rounder brought in as a replacement, has returned home, but Shamarh Brooks, who filled in for Miller, will remain with the team as backup.

Royals head coach Trevor Penney expressed confidence in the squad, stating, “With David Miller and Kesh Maharaj back, we've got our complete lineup of five overseas players. Alick Athanaze's return adds another dimension to our team selection. It’s exciting to have so much talent, especially with some of our younger players stepping up."

This season, the Royals have demonstrated flexibility, achieving wins across different pitch conditions, comfortably chasing 146 runs in North Sound and securing a thrilling victory with just one ball to spare in Basseterre. Despite recent rainfall in Bridgetown, captain Rovman Powell remains optimistic about the playing conditions. "Barbados has some of the best cricketing environments I've witnessed; the practice pitches are in great shape, and the players are well-prepared," he stated.

With all five overseas players back, Powell anticipates that their franchise experience will pay dividends. Both Miller and Maharaj are familiar with the Royals' system, having valuable contributions in past seasons, and Powell views their return as a major advantage. "These training sessions are key to recalibrating our rhythm," he emphasised.

Maharaj will step into Wellalage's role, working closely with Maheesh Theekshana, whose outstanding economy rate of 4.62 underscores his effectiveness as a bowler in this tournament. As conditions are predicted to slow down further, Powell highlighted the crucial role of spinners. “Bowlers win tournaments, and batsmen win games,” he remarked. “Having a robust spin department is vital, particularly in the Caribbean, where quality spin can pose significant challenges for batsmen.”