Every game is now a final for us – Miller

JAMAICA SCORPIONS assistant coach Nikita Miller hinted that his side will need to change their tactics and strategy if they are to give themselves a chance of defending their Super 50 Cup title.

The Jamaican franchise is off to the worst possible start after losing their first two games to the Leeward Islands Hurricanes and the Barbados Pride, and Miller highlighted that every game from now onwards will be like a final for the Scorpions who play again today when they face the West Indies Academy at the Queen’s Park Oval.

“We are pretty much in that mindset that every game is a final now. We have lost two out of seven games and we are hoping to make amends in the other games and perform to the level that we expect,” added Miller.

With inclement weather affecting some of the games and influencing pitch conditions, Miller highlighted that the team may be required to make adjustments to give themselves a better chance of picking up wins in the tournament.

“We have identified a couple of things that we need to address and we have realised that with the weather and rain around, the wickets are offering a lot to the spinners, so we need to address that.”

All eyes will be cast on the possible selection of front-line spinners Dennis Bulli and Jeavor Royal along with left-arm slow bowler Fabian Allen.

Rookie batting all-rounder Brad Barnes, who also bowls part-time spin, could also come into contention for his first game as the Andrew Richardson-coached side looks to turn their fortunes around quickly.

Following the new points-scoring format, the Scorpions, despite back-to-back losses have one point from their two matches, and that point came from a batting perspective during the game against Barbados where they scored over 60 runs in the power play without losing more than two wickets.

The Scorpions will take heart from the fact that opener Chadwick Walton is showing some form following a creditable knock of 94 in their 211 against Barbados.

Rookie all-rounder Shalome Parnell also looked the part with the ball having picked up two wickets along with pacer Nicholson Gordon.