New boy Levy looking to sting in regional tournament

The selection panel of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) has named a 13-man Jamaica Scorpions squad to open its participation in the West Indies Championship (formerly the Regional Four-Day Competition) against the Barbados Pride next week (December 13-16).

The squad remains largely unchanged from last year's competition; the sole exception is the introduction of Jermaine Levy, a pacer who hails from St Elizabeth and represents the Southern Seals in the local two-day Super League.

"It's an honour to be selected for participation. Every young cricketer aspires to represent his country and, here in the Caribbean, to represent the West Indies in every format of the game. This selection takes me one step closer to realising my childhood dreams. Each level of participation opens up more opportunities to grow, develop and earn," said an excited Levy, who picked up 10 wickets in four games representing the CCC Marooners, which won the recently concluded regional Super 50 tournament.

GOOD CHEMISTRY

The management and finance graduate from The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, continued, "I'm a pacer in a squad with strong, talented players. The chemistry is good, we have each other's backs. When I'm on attack, they will be sharp in the field. I'm here to put every effort into defending any total we put up. Dot balls, maiden overs and wickets are my top priority, along with staying injury-free."

Meanwhile, JCA CEO Courtney Francis is confident of a good showing in this year's rendition. He noted that the coaches have put in quite a bit of work into strengthening the team's abilities to remain focused for longer periods.

"In last year's competition, we had some games in which we would post strong first-innings scores, but the second-innings scores were subpar. The players and staff have all learned from those errors and have put in some serious effort into targeting our shortcomings in maintaining concentration," said Francis.

He added, "The squad is balanced and should challenge for title. As always, once we field well and deliver at high levels through our batting and bowling, then the title will be well within reach. The lads are physically fit and strong; once this is complemented by mental strength, our opponents will have a tough task to better us. Further, I'm particularly excited about the inclusion of young Levy. This young man had two four-wicket hauls in the recent Super 50 competition, and one of them was in the final, guiding his team to victory. He knows success and is hungry for more. This is the kind of injection of talent we can benefit from."

The Jamaica Scorpions depart for Barbados on Monday, December 10.

Squad: Paul Palmer Jr (Captain), John Campbell, Chadwick Walton, Jermaine Blackwood, Andre McCarthy, Steven Taylor, Aldaine Thomas, Kenroy Williams, Dennis Bulli, Nikita Miller, Derval Green, Ryenard Leveridge, Jermaine Levy.