{UAH} Lloyd Paternott keen to put mark

Lloyd Paternott keen to put mark on Ugandan Cricket

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1 HOUR AGO
BY DENIS MUSALI

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Lloyd Paternott batting for his club in the UK

Lloyd Paternott was born and raised in the UK but his mother has Ugandan roots. When he was contacted to play for Uganda by Uganda Cricket, he didn't turn down a chance to play for his adopted country.

Paternott missed out on playing for the Cricket Cranes in the Division 3 World Cricket League tournament hosted in Kampala last year but he got a chance to experience Uganda for the first time and also have some practice with his soon to be team mates.

He has been selected to be part of the 17 man team to tour Qatar and India and this gives him a chance to play for Uganda for the first time.

And Paternott has been relishing the chance to play for the team but most importantly make a big contribution to the progress of the team.

Kawowo Sports caught up with Lloyd for a chit chat just before he can meet up with the whole team in Qatar.

Your long awaited debut for the Cricket Cranes is due in Qatar, how do you feel before you join up with the lads?

I am very excited to see the guys again and catch up on all things Uganda. I have been in regular contact with some of the players and members of the UCA and I am keen to put my mark on Ugandan cricket and help the team and the UCA in every way that I can.

Uganda got relegated to Division 4 last year, what do you bring to the group right now as they try and move up the divisions?

I was very disappointed to hear of our relegation in front of our home crowd, but it emphasizes the fact that nothing is ever guaranteed in cricket. I feel a part of my job is to bring a positive energy to the group, I was there when we whitewashed Kenya, it is clear that we have a group of very talented players and I personally feel they need reminding of that.

Everyone in the UCA plans to see Uganda in Division 1 and I want to be the guy to help everyone eat, train, and act as if we are already there. This ultra-professional mind-set and self-belief is something I have seen work for county and test cricketers in England and there is no reason why it can't help us as a team be better by 1% every day.

The little time you spent with the team which players made an impression on you?

I spent most of my time with Davis (Karashani), Arthur (Kyobe) and Naeem (Bardai) – all of which I am in regular contact with. Unfortunately, none of them will be joining us in Qatar but all the members of the Ugandan cricket team are lovely people and impossible not to get on with. If you are asking me about people that made an impression on me on the field one name sticks out in my mind. From what I saw in the month or so I spent with the team Deus (Muhumuza) stood out for me. I liken him to a Chris Woakes style of player. His bowling is on the spot with good change ups, his batting is solid, he is very fit and most importantly he has no ego and is selfless on the field – a true team man, which in my view is a very strong commodity to have as a player.

Compare the two cultures, what small things can UCA do to improve cricket here?

It was a big culture shock living in Uganda, England and Uganda are very different. The way of life, the way people communicate, people's values and the TRAFFIC! If I am being honest I feel communication could be stronger – especially top-down. I think a lot of the issues that tend to arise stems from poor communication. I also truly believe that the youth set up is not going in the right direction. I have seen the England under 19 team's train and talked to a lot of players that have been through the England Development Programme and the contrast between their programmes and the Ugandan under 19 programmes is very obvious and this is not just down to facilities. Not to get too into details but If I could change one thing it would be the implementation of purposeful practice and making sure the players are engaged and having fun. It is very easy to forget that cricket is meant to be fun when the national is looking to you to perform.

Many people haven't seen you in action, can you describe your cricket style on favourite batting position and style of batting?

I would like to think I am fairly adaptable and able to score quickly but I often enjoying the fight of coming and grinding out a 100 in tough conditions. I have reigned my game in somewhat over the years as I have found batting time and making sure I am there on the last ball of the 50th over will help my team more than a brilliant 50 full of switch hits and 6's.

Are u also in position to give us an update on your documentation which couldn't allow you to play in Kampala?

As I understand it I just missed out on the window for the ICC Division 3 tournament, but I believe everything is in order as I have been selected for the tours in 2018.

While on your visit here, what is your opinion of Kampala – Uganda?

Kampala, where to start. I experienced so much while I was there, and it gave my life so much perspective. I was truly humbled by everyone I met and those experience and memories I will take with me forever. I cannot fault the people I have met, and it was amazing to see the area my mother grew up in. Although I do not miss the traffic at all and as a picky eater let's just say I did not get used to the food haha!

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