Scorpions to use Melissa as motivation

IN THE wake of the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s cricketers are poised to play their part in uplifting the nation as they bow into action today in the CG United Super 50 Cup against the Guyana Harpy Eagles at the Queen’s Park Oval.

The tournament opener represents more than just cricket for the Jamaica Scorpions, as a sense of national pride and responsibility fuels their campaign.

Newly appointed captain Brad Barnes is keen to lead a youthful yet experienced squad, with several key players returning from the unit that reached the final last year.

“Jamaicans are as optimistic as ever. We’re always going over there with the mindset to win the title.

“And I’m very confident in the guys because we’re a very confident bunch. We had three practice matches before we left, and it’s very pleasing to see what has been going on. So I do not doubt for us to go there and do the same.”

The Scorpions’ batting will be bolstered by the return of veteran Jermaine Blackwood, who scored 244 runs last tournament, alongside last year’s centurions, Javelle Glen and opener Carlos Brown. The team will, however, feel the absence of captain John Campbell, last season’s leading run-scorer with 278. Barnes is confident that he and the team can collectively fill the void.

“We know that losing a John Campbell will be huge, but we believe that the guys are eager to go out there and give their all.”

The bowling attack looks potent, with another seasoned campaigner in fast bowler Marquino Mindley back to lead the unit after being Jamaica’s leading wicket-taker with 20 scalps in seven matches last year.

“This year, it is a pretty young, fast bowling unit, but I always tell myself I’m the bowling captain,” Mindley explained.

“So hopefully, I can give the players as much information as possible and they can learn the job.”

Spinner Jeavor Royal will look to improve on his 13 wickets from last season while the newly appointed skipper, who chipped in with 10 wickets himself, provides a handy all-round option.

They face a Guyana Harpy Eagles side led by new captain Matthew Nandu, who described his team as “balanced” in their quest for a rare Super 50 Cup title. While stacked with young talent, the Harpy Eagles will rely on the experience of senior figures like Gudakesh Motie and Keemo Paul.

“Our biggest strength is our balance. We have quality in both departments, batsmen, and bowlers, with real talent and skill,” Nandu said.

“Once they’re given the opportunity, I believe they’ll step up and perform consistently.”

Nandu acknowledged that save for Paul, his fast-bowling department was short on experience, but he remained confident in their ability to execute.

In other opening-day fixtures, the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force will host the Barbados Pride at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground, while the Leeward Islands Hurricanes take on the Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.