Barnes, Parnell newcomers to Scorpions Super50 squad

FOLLOWING A string of impressive performances with both bat and ball in recently concluded practice games, all-rounder Brad Barnes gave selectors no choice but to pick him in the Jamaica Scorpions 14-man squad set to attempt a successful Super50 title defence in Trinidad and Tobago, starting October 17.

Barnes, along with Melbourne Cricket Club left-arm seamer Shalom Parnell, are the two newcomers to the Andrew Richardson-coached squad which will be led, once again, by Rovman Powell.

Several of the players that helped the Jamaicans to win the title last year have been included with the likes of 38-year-old veteran wicketkeeper batsman Chadwick Walton returning along with Brandon King, Nicholson Gordon, Nkrumah Bonner, Dennis Bulli, Jeavor Royal, Odean Smith and Sheldon Cottrell.

West Indies T20 all-rounder Fabian Allen is also making a return to the side after missing out last year, and he is joined by West Indies Test opener Kirk McKenzie and West Indies vice-captain Jermaine Blackwood.

Barnes capped off an impressive series in the Scorpions practice games after scoring 65 runs from 55 balls in the final match at Kensington Park on Thursday.

The Manchester native, who scored a century and a half century in the first two practice games, was also instrumental with the ball, bagging four wickets in the final match to secure his spot in the side.

For Barnes, the feeling of making it into his first white-ball squad for Jamaica is tremendous.

“I am so happy to be in the squad because I have put in a lot of work over the last couple of months by batting more balls and working on the mental side of my game,” said Barnes.

When asked about his bowling exploits, Barnes said a lack of opportunities has hampered him from showcasing his real talent.

“I have always been a batting all-rounder, but the opportunity wasn’t given to me to bowl much. If I get a chance to play in this tournament, I want to do well and showcase my best to the region and the world.”

The eight-team Super50 Cup will see some 31 matches being played, with the Jamaicans set to bowl off against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on October 18 in a day-night fixture.

Jamaica Super50 Squad

1. Rovman Powell (Capt)

2. Brandon King (V/Capt)

3. Nkrumah Bonner

4. Jermaine Blackwood

5. Chadwick Walton

6. Kirk McKenzie Jr

7. Fabian Allen

8. Odean Smith

9. Sheldon Cottrell

10. Dennis Bulli

11. Brad Barnes

12. Shalom Parnell

13. Jeavor Royal

14. Nicholson Gordon