Nunes: Don't write us off

11:27am Friday 2nd May 2008

Twickenham Cricket Club captain Carlos Nunes has warned his side's Middlesex County League Division Two rivals that they will be no pushovers this season.

The South African, 24, takes over the reigns at The Green this season from long-standing skipper Jon Varney.

The club clinched their second successive promotion last season thanks, largely, to the efforts of overseas batsmen Pete Carey and Justin Scriven.

Kiwi Carey will be replaced by Queensland batsman Grant Hughes, who has hit two pre-season half-centuries, while more is expected from middle-order batsman Warwick Paull.

Nunes, who netted with Surrey paceman Chris Jordan at the Brit Oval earlier this week, believes his side still have a point to prove, despite the success of the past two seasons.

"A lot of clubs were critical of Twickenham last year, claiming the only reason we went up was because we had so few games called off because of bad weather," said the IT engineer. "But I think our performances were great. We had a mid-season slump, but came back well. We have a chance of finishing in the top two.

"The crucial thing is taking 10 wickets a game. We are going to have to work on getting the right bowlers on at the right times. We've got a lot to choose from, so there is a bit of added pressure to make sure they perform."

Nunes, who will keep wicket this season, takes charge of his first league game next week, against derby rivals Richmond at Old Deer Park, and is relishing his new role as captain.

"It will add responsibility. One decision can win or cost you the game," he said. "It will be tough from a batting point of view. I'll have to concentrate more and be looking to take innings through this season."

Nunes got a taste of life in the professional ranks on Monday, when he faced 19-year-old rising county star Jordan - and the South African thinks the youngster's technique, rather than his 6ft 2in frame, is key to his 80mph-plus deliveries.

"He is shorter than me, but generates much more pace, even off a shortened run. It shows bowling is more about the mechanics of your action than your frame," he said.

Jordan, albeit tongue in cheek, did not rule out a Surrey contract for the Ts skipper.

"There were some good shots from the batsman, so that was a good start," he said.

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