Jamaica Tallawahs Captain Andre Russell was angry over the lack of home advantage following his side’s defeat to Guyana Amazon and Trinibago Knightriders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which were played at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Florida recently.
Tallawahs played their first two games at Sabina Park, Jamaica and hosted the other three at the Florida venue.
They also lost the final game against the Barbados Tridents in the final over by three runs.
The contest felt little like home advantage for the Tallawahs as the Amazon Warriors and the Knightriders were greeted with vocal support from spectators, something that Russell was “upset” about.
He said the two games were not like a home game since the supporters were both Guyanese and Trinidadians living in the USA.
Russell said the Tallawahs had found it difficult when they batted and bowled and conceded it had impacted the team’s performance.
“The guys were upset. I was upset when I got off the field. I was throwing shoes and everything in the changing room… this is how upsetting these things can be,” Russell told reporters.
“You want to know that the crowd is behind you on your home turf. If you are playing a home game you want to feel the home advantage- — if you get a wicket you hear a loud cheer,” he said.
The Tallawahs lost their first game against the Guyana Amazon when they were bowled out for 138 in 16.2 overs. The Amazons had scored 209 for seven.
In the second match the Knightriders won by four wickets in the last over. Tallawahs scored 182 for five off their 20 overs and the Knightriders hit 184 for six in reply.
