By Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
Rose
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Jamaica face an uphill task when they take on leaders Barbados in the third round of the Carib Beer Series at North Stars Ground in St. Lucy, Barbados today.
In other games, West Indies B take on Guyana in Tortola, the Windward Islands host Trinidad and Tobago and India A visit the Leeward Islands.
With only eight points from two matches, the Jamaicans are desperate to increase their tally and claim their first outright win of the season.
Coach Robert Haynes said yesterday the players were in a good frame of mind ahead of today's game.
"We will just have to wait and have a look at the pitch tomorrow (this morning) to finalise our starting team," Haynes said.
"Franklyn Rose is back and along with Daren Powell and Jerome Taylor, if chosen, we will have to go out there and play some good cricket," Haynes said.
One of the defending champion's biggest concerns is the early poor form of Test bowler Powell.
The 24-year-old has claimed only two wickets during the first two matches of the series and conceded 33 runs off three overs in the Windwards' second innings earlier this week as the hosts lost at Sabina Park.
"Daren knows that he has not being bowling well. However, this morning we had a very good session (training) and he was really impressive. He was very consistent and I think that was what he was lacking in his recent performances," Haynes said.
Meanwhile, the Jamaicans will welcome back the services of Leon Garrick from a one-match ban. He replaces the dropped Donovan Pagon.
The choice of bowlers could be considerably tougher as the five batsmen - Garrick, Brenton Parchment, Maurice Kepple, Mario Ventura and Robert Samuels - along with two all-rounders - Gareth Breese (returning from injury) and David Bernard Jnr - and wicketkeeper Keith Hibbert seem sure picks.
Apart from Nehemiah Perry, who took 12 wickets against the Windwards Island none of the others are sure picks. Powell, Taylor and Rose should fight for the two fast bowler spots with Rose and Powell the frontrunners, according to the coach.
The Bajans are on a high and boast a formidable batting line-up of Floyd Reifer (105 against India A), Sherwin Campbell, Philo Wallace, Ian Bradshaw and Ryan Hurley, who scored 116 against the Windward Islands in their opening round match. Adding to that powerful batting, they should have the services of Ryan Hinds, who was withdrawn from the West Indies World Cup squad to facilitate the return of Jamaica's Marlon Samuels.
Their bowling is also well-balanced with left-arm fast bowler Bradshaw, who just missed selection to the World Cup squad, Tino Best, who took five wickets against India A, and left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn, who took five for 67 in the Windwards' second innings, in fine form.
Coach Haynes said the strength of the Barbados team, which leads the tournament on 24 points, would not perturb his players.
"What we have to do today is not to play names, and I don't think Jamaica every played names. We are here to play consistent cricket and to lift our game somewhat. Definitely we are going out there to get 12 points and nothing less," he said.
"The players are in a very positive mood," he said. "We are the defending champions and we intend to go out there and beat Barbados. When you check our track record against them, it has been very good."
Jamaica XI (from) Robert Samuels (captain), Brenton Parchment, Leon Garrick, Maurice Kepple, Mario Ventura, Keith Hibbert, Gareth Breese, Nehemiah Perry, David Bernard Jnr, Franklyn Rose, Ryan Cunningham, Daren Powell and Jerome Taylor.
