Cricketer, Johnson urges Hetmyer to continue matured approach.

BROOKLYN, NY – Guyana Jaguars captain Leon Johnson says West Indies stroke maker, Shimron Hetmyer, has been encouraged by team management to place a higher value on his wicket, following cheap dismissals during the ongoing Regional Super50 Cup.

The 24-year-old opened the campaign with a scintillating 80 off just 53 deliveries against Barbados Pride but then struggled with scores of nine, one, and 10 in his next three innings.

None of the three outings lasted more than 11 balls, and the failures prompted Johnson, along with legendary former Windies batsman Shiv Chanderpaul, a member of the Jaguars coaching staff, to sit down with Hetmyer.

“I have [spoken to him] actually. And it’s not me alone, the management, Shiv, the coach, the chairman as well,” Johnson said ahead of Thursday’s semi-final against Windward Islands Volcanoes here.

“The chairman of selectors had a word with him, and in all fairness to Hetty, he has owned up to his mistakes, and if you saw the way he played in the last game when he scored 67, not out.”

That half-century came against Volcanoes as Jaguars chased down a meager 154 to win their fourth match of the tournament.

The innings was well constructed, lasting 60 deliveries, including three fours and four sixes. It served as the inspiration behind a 93-run, unbroken second-wicket stand with Tevin Imlach, who made 37 not out. 

“He played a more matured innings. I spoke to him and told him that’s the way he needs to play,” Johnson said, referring to the performance against Volcanoes.

“You can’t always go out and obviously bully [bowlers], he needs to take his time and bat, and you saw that in the last game against the Windward Islands. He took his time, and he scored pretty easily.”

Hetmyer will be a key batsman for Jaguars in Thursday’s semi-final, and Johnson said he hoped the left-hander’s matured approach continued as they chased a spot in the final.

“Hopefully, he keeps that form and keeps that mental part of the game for the next two games,” said Johnson.

The left-handed Hetmyer is the vice-captain of the Jaguars side and has played 16 Tests, 45 One-Day Internationals, and 27 T20 Internationals for West Indies.