Ailing Scorpions still optimistic ahead of Super50 start

DESPITE A demoralising 2023 regional CG Insurance Super50 Cup season where the Jamaica Scorpions failed to win a game, Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) chairman of selectors, Delroy Morgan, is looking for the Scorpions to be competitive enough to challenge for the title this year.

The Scorpions lost six of their seven matches last season, finishing 12 points below second-from-bottom Windward Islands on seven points.

However, yesterday, at a press conference to name the squad for the upcoming season which begins on October 29, (Jamaica open on the 30th against Barbados), Morgan said they are looking to more than just compete this year.

“We came up with a decent enough team (squad) to really compete. So we are looking forward to them going out and putting their best foot forward.

“We know we came last last year. So we are looking to go and win this competition, not only to compete. We are looking to make some progression,” he stated.

“We have a new coach (Robert Haynes) in place. He certainly is going to try and get the best out of these players. We have put together some youngsters who are raring to go and, based on the meetings the coach has had with the players, off the field and on the field, they are just looking good. So I have no doubt they will perform, based on what I have seen in the trials as well.”

Morgan pointed out that one of the major factors for their downfall last term was the fact that they failed to bat out their innings. But, with the talent at the disposal of the coach now, including the experience of captain John Campbell and Jermaine Blackwood, Morgan is confident they will overcome that issue this season.

“We weren’t batting out the 50 overs. Most of the time, we were between 35 and 40 overs. So, a lot of overs were left behind. Now, we are seeing players wanting to bat for long periods, especially the front batsmen.

“We want them to bat long and, if we can bat deep into the innings, we can put together some decent totals. Then we can have our bowlers have something to work with,” he said.

“The experience will come from the senior players. The senior players will look out for them (youngsters). So, they can watch and learn something from the senior players. John Campbell is back and he is very experienced. So, they can learn a lot from him.”

Morgan also gave Campbell, who had a four-year suspension reduced to two years for evading and failing to submit a urine sample in 2022, his vote on confidence.

“He has been the captain before, so he has been in the space before. Once he is good and his head space is where it is supposed to be, we shouldn’t have any problem,” he said.

Although the team lost experienced batsman Nkrumah Bonner, who opted to take up a contract elsewhere at the last minute, Morgan believes batters like Kirk McKenzie, Odane McCatty, Carlos Brown and Brad Barnes will come good for the team.

He also believes the bowling is in good hands with the likes of Ojay Shields, Gordon Bryan, Marquino Mindley and young leg spinner Tamarie Redwood.

“John Campbell, the skipper, once he can lead from the front, I know everything will filter down.

“Kirk McKenzie is very special. He looks well in practice. Odane McCatty had a good season. He looks really well. We have Blackwood, who has been getting back to his vibrant self, and he is a player who can give you runs in the middle.

“We have some quality bowlers. Ojay Shields is bowling fast. Once he can get some early wickets, that could be crucial. Gordon Byran swings the ball a lot both ways.

Marquino Mindley is very nippy and can give us wickets as well. And Odean Smith can come in at the end with bat and ball,” he said.

“Tamarie Redwood is a young and witty leg spinner. He has that ability to get wickets. But, like any leg spinner, they will go for runs. But he’s one for the future.”

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Jamaica Scorpions Squad

John Campbell (Captain), Kirk McKenzie (Vice-Captain), Odane McCatty, Carlos Brown, Jermaine Blackwood, Javelle Glenn, Romaine Morris (WK), Brad Barnes, Odean Smith, Jeavor Royal, Tamarie Redwood, Ojay Shields, Gordon Bryan, Marquino Mindley

Reserves: Jordan Johnson, Peat Salmon, Daniel Beckford, Andre A. McCarthy