JAMAICAN all-rounder Fabian Allen says he is delighted at the opportunity to play for the Tallawahs for this Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season after previously representing the St Kitts and Nevis franchise.

Ironically, the 27-year-old all-rounder will likely debut for Jamaica Tallawahs in the CPL Twenty20 against reigning champions St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the tournament opener at Warner Park in Basseterre this evening.

“Being back home is a great feeling,” Allen, who won the CPL title with the Patriots last year, told the Jamaica Observer.

“It feels good to put on those Jamaican colours. I am here on a mission; I really want to bring a title back home to the Tallawahs,” he said of the two-time former winners who last lifted the CPL trophy in 2016.

The West Indies player’s impact on the Tallawahs has been instant.

He topped the runs chart during the 6IXTY tournament which preceded the CPL. Allen tallied 138 from four innings, including a whirlwind, 33-ball knock of 82 not out.

What made his performances all the more impressive is that the swashbuckling player has been mostly inactive since his father passed away this year.

The popular view is that the time away from the game has rejuvenated him.

“Even though I haven’t played competitive cricket in months, I wasn’t worried. I have a lot of confidence in my abilities and I just went out and backed myself in the 6IXTY,” Allen explained.

Given the Tallawahs’ creditable run to the play-offs in the 6IXTY, the big-hitting batsman who bowls a steady left-arm finger spin is optimistic they can carry that form into the CPL.

“I was encouraged by our batting depth, especially since we rested top players like [Brandon] King and [Shamarh] Brooks. We have a really strong batting line-up and I hope we can keep the momentum going into the CPL,” he said.

He noted, however, that the bowling will have to be top-notch if the Tallawahs are to walk away with their third CPL title.

“You can expect our batting to really be on the front foot but bowling is what will win you tournaments, so we have to prepare well.

“We can really be a challenge for any team but we are not focusing on any team but ours. We just have to take it one game at a time,” said the all-action all-rounder.

— Sanjay Myers