'Scorpions were let down by poor batting'

Top batsman AndrÈ McCarthy says poor batting led to Jamaica's below-par showing during the WICB/NAGICO Insurance Super50 Tournament.

Jamaica had three wins and as many defeats in Group A before bowing out after finishing third of four teams.

"It's the losing of quick wickets," said the Scorpions top batsman, a member of the squad, which returned home on Wednesday.

"When we batted, we tended to lose two or three quick wickets, which set us back.

"It's something that we need to look into, and work on, as our batting is what has been letting us down over the years."

The Junior Bennett-conditioned Scorpions amassed 14 points, four less than second-place Barbados Pride, who recorded four wins and two defeats.

Hosts and title-holders Trinidad and Tobago Red Force ended tops with 22 points following four wins, a loss, and a no-result.

The other contenders, ICC Americas, claimed two points.

"The guys are not happy about the situation (early exit)," said McCarthy, who topped the preliminary batting chart with 251 runs at an average of 41.83.

"After playing and getting knocked out in the first round, the players are disappointed, and taking it hard.

"But everybody has to just learn from their mistakes and try and improve," McCarthy added.

The early exit of Jamaica, a far cry from their title-winning exploits four seasons ago under Chris Gayle, occurred with the team passing 200 just twice in six innings.

These were against minnows ICC Americas, where they posted 260 for eight before returning to limit their opponents to 76, and 257 for nine in response to 253 for eight.

bowled out for 137

They were bowled out for 137 in their opening match in chase of 221 against Trinidad, while in their third game, they limped to 139 for eight in pursuit of 138 made by Barbados.

Their fourth game, a return-fixture with Trinidad, then saw them being restricted to 176 before the hosts responded with a comfortable 177 for three.

Needing to win their penultimate match against Barbados to guarantee themselves a place in the semi-finals, the Scorpions were then held to 173 in chase of 246 for nine.

"As batters, we need to think about game situations more," continued McCarty, the leading scorer for Jamaica in the regional first-class tournament.