New-look Scorpions host Barbados Pride at Sabina
A NEW-look Jamaica Scorpions outfit will look to kick-start their Cricket West Indies Digicel Four-day Tournament when they host Barbados Pride in a day-night encounter at Sabina Park, starting today at 2 p.m.
The Robert Samuels-coached Scorpions — who lost their opening game away to titleholders and early leaders Guyana Jaguars and drew their second, also away to Trinidad and Tobago Red Force— have made a whopping five changes to their 13-man squad.
Topping the list are West Indies ‘A’ representatives opener John Campbell, legspinner Damion Jacobs, and fast bowlers Reynard Leveridge and Oshane Thomas.
Part-time wicket-keeper batsman American Steven Taylor is the other player added to the squad.
‘’Once our West Indies ‘A’ players are available, they will be put in the team as they generally are playing a little bit above the regional level, and we want to ensure that they stay in the eyes of the West Indies,’’ said Jamaica coach Robert Samuels.
“The team has also started somewhat slowly, and for us to change that we need to be at our best. Hopefully, therefore, with these players back, we will be able to play our best match yet, and with it, score our first victory.’’
The national selection panel has dropped fast bowlers Jason Dawes and Keno Wallace, offspinner Damani Sewell and wicketkeeper Romaine Morris.
Exciting young batsman Fabian Allen is out because of injury. He scored an undefeated 168 for his maiden first-class century against Trinidad. The 22-year-old picked pick up a foot injury while fielding.
“We played well in patches, but it was not of the standard that was required,” expressed Samuels of the opening matches. “However, I am not too surprised given the make-up of the team we had.
“In recent years, we have started strong and finished rather weak, however, this year provides an opportunity for us to turn things around,’’ he said.
Jamaica will again be captained by batsman Paul Palmer, in the absence of regular skipper Nikita Miller, who is still recovering from an injury.
Barbados, who are coming off a shock innings and four runs defeat inside two days to traditional the Leeward Islands Hurricanes, will be looking to bounce back.
They have made one change to their squad with West Indies ‘A’ captain Shamar Brooks, returning at the expense of Shamar Springer.
JAMAICA SCORPIONS (from) : Paul Palmer (captain), Steven Taylor, Dennis Bulli, John Campbell, Reynard Leveridge, Assad Fudadin, Garth Garvey, Derval Green, Damion Jacobs, Trevon Griffith, Paul Harrison, Brandon King, Oshane Thomas
BARBADOS PRIDE (from) : Shamarh Brooks (captain), Anthony Alleyne, Jonathan Carter, Shakeem Clarke, Justin Greaves, Aaron Jones, Shayne Moseley, Ashley Nurse, Mario Rampersaud, Kevin Stoute, Hayden Walsh Jr, Jomel Warrican, Kenroy Williams