Scorpions call in McCarthy for Hurricanes clash
THE JAMAICA Scorpions have drafted in righthanded middle-order batsman André McCarthy into their squad for today’s eightround West Indies Championship clash against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at North Sound in Antigua.
McCarthy has not featured for the Scorpions this season, and the right-hander could be thrust straight into the team to spruce up the batting line-up, which was woeful in the second innings against the Windward Islands Volcanoes, where they crumbled for a mere 60 runs.
If given the nod, McCarthy would immediately want to replicate his 2015-2016 season form where he scored 520 runs in 10 matches with a century and two half-centuries.
In the meantime, assistant coach of the Scorpions Nikita Miller says a win against the Hurricanes would put them right back in the fray, with the Jamaicans currently lying fifth, after entering the seventh round in third position.
“All the teams above us, except for Barbados, are not too far away in terms of points. We want to stay positive and try and correct our mistakes from the Windwards game and try to come away with maximum points here in Antigua,” said Miller.
Scorpions captain John Campbell has come under heavy criticism for his tactics this season. However, Miller was quick to point out that the team is a young one and mistakes will be made.
NEW CAPTAIN
“John is a new captain and the team is a young one and obviously, they will make mistakes, what we have to do is stay positive and try to execute our game plan to the best of our ability,” added Miller.
All 11 matches between the Scorpions and Hurricanes in the PCL era of the Championship have been won, with the Scorpions holding a 7-4 edge, including a five-wicket victory in the fifth round this season.
The Hurricanes, who will be without their leading wicket-taker Rahkeem Cornwall, has welcomed back West Indies right arm legspinner Hayden Walsh Jr and fast bowler Alzarri Joseph along with batsman Jaison Peters.
SCORPIONS: John Campbell (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Gordon Bryan, Derval Green, Patrick Harty Jr, Andre McCarthy, Jamie Merchant, Marquino Mindley, Paul Palmer Jr, Denis Smith, Alwyn Williams, Oraine Williams.
HURRICANES: Jahmar Hamilton (captain), Keacy Carty, Montcin Hodge, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Jeremiah Louis, Kian Pemberton, Jaison Peters, Kieran Powell, Ross Powell, Akeem Saunders, Hayden Walsh Jr, Terance Warde.