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James Pamment Joins Team USA

USA Attempting to Qualify for 2020 ICC T20 World Cup

One of the Bay of Plenty cricket community's favourite sons, is taking another globe-trotting journey in his life on the road as a renowned and respected individual cricket skills mentor.

While James Pamment is still catching his breath after the exultation of playing a part in the Mumbai Indians victory in the 2019 IPL title decider, the specialist fielding coach has signed on with USA Cricket, as they attempt to qualify for the 2020 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

The departure of the previous coach has seen USA Cricket appoint an international array of coaching advisors, to assist the USA first XI continue its winning track record with a firm focus on successful tournament finishes in August and October, which will qualify the side for the T20 World Cup in Australia next year.

James Pamment has joined the USA cricket setup as the fielding coach for the T20 campaign. His appointment to Team USA, came about, when approached by former Indian wicket keeper Kiran More, who had been appointed as USA Cricket Director of Cricket.

“Kiran asked me if I would like to join the USA program for an initial three month contract. During this period the USA team is playing a T20 qualifying tournament in Bermuda, ODI’s in Florida and a tour to India”. “If we are successful in Bermuda the team, will attend the final ICC World Cup Qualifying tournament in Dubai and if they make the top six they will play at the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2020”.

James attempted to unravel the mysteries of a fielding coach by saying “In the fielding specific roles that I have had, I generally take full responsibility for the collective tactical approach that the team takes. Individually, I will work with each member of the squad to assist with their ongoing skill development”. “I’ll work on team plans to ensure that we get the right fielders in the right positions at different phases of the game. I’ll be constantly looking at different ways to promote the key basics of fielding while keeping training relevant and fresh for the players’.

Team USA doesn’t lack for the want of experience with the appointment of some extremely experienced and high profile team mentors. Privan Amre (batting) and Sunil Joshi (spin bowling) both played for India with Kiran More in the 1990’s and have coached at domestic and international levels and in the IPL. 

Australian David Saker has coached both England and Australia, in successful Ashes campaigns, in roles as the team fast bowling coach. He has coached in both the Big Bash and IPL and as a player won the Sheffield Shield with the Victoria State side

Team USA has just qualified for ODI status and currently competes in ICC Tier Three competition. “We have some very talented cricketers who would be right at home in New Zealand Domestic First Class cricket. However they lack for support, infrastructure and competition, but I have been very surprised with the talent that I have seen”. “It is predominantly a mix of West Indian and South East Asia ex-pats who are playing the game in the States at present”.

When questioned on his expectations for the current USA team, James replied “My individual expectations are based around initial improvements through the work we do together and things that are put in place in the short and long term, as we see a group of players growing together and becoming more competitive on the world stage”.

“We are currently at the America’s World T20 Qualifying tournament in Bermuda, along with Bermuda, Canada and the Cayman Island. The top two sides will head to Dubai to join 12 other ICC Associate teams in competition, with six qualifying for the ICC 2020 T20 World Cup in Australia”.