Walton to lead Ja Select XI in Antigua T20 Festival

Jamaica Select XI Manager Kerry Scott is hopeful that the exposure gained by young players at the second annual Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association Twenty20 Festival will redound to the benefit of Jamaica cricket.

The Select XI, which departed the country on Thursday, and was down to contest the opening match against hosts Antigua last night at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, is being captained by West Indies wicketkeeper Chadwick Walton.

However, the majority of the squad, which also includes West Indies 'A' batsman Andre McCarthy, features a number of up-and-coming Jamaica Scorpions representatives, and standout players in local domestic competitions.

They include batsmen Steven Taylor, Oraine Williams and Trevon Griffith; spin bowler Paul Harrison and former West Indies Under-19 all-rounder Odean Smith.

"The aim of participating in the tournament is to expose a number of young and emerging players," said Scott.

"The team is made up of a nice blend of experience and youth players, and we are expecting quality opposition from Antigua and Guyana.

"This is our second year of participating, and after placing second last year, the aim is to go one better as well," he added.

The Jamaica Select XI, which is conditioned by Melbourne coach Andrew Richardson, are down to play their second game today at the same venue before taking a break tomorrow and Monday.

They are then scheduled to engage Guyana and Antigua in return-leg fixtures on Tuesday and Wednesday, also at the same venue.

A final between the top-two teams after the first round will ensue thereafter.

The tournament will also see proceeds of this year's staging going towards relief efforts for persons affected by Hurricane Irma, which devastated Antigua and Barbuda recently.