By Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
Members of the Jamaica cricket team at the Norman Manley International Airport before its departure for St. Lucia for the opening Carib Beer Series match against the Windwards which starts tomorrow. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
THE JAMAICA cricket squad left the island yesterday for their opening Carib Beer Series match against the Windward Islands in St. Lucia with legspinner Orlanzo Jackson on their minds.
"Our main threat has always been Orlanzo Jackson," said Jamaica's coach, Robert Haynes, just before the team departed for tomorrow's opening round encounter at the Beausejour Stadium in St. Lucia.
"He (Jackson) has been a top performer for the Windwards. He is always one that comes out and gives a 100 per cent but we are not going to take on one or two players, we are looking at their full XI," he said.
Jackson, 29, played a major role in the Windwards' victory over Jamaica at Sabina Park last season. The legspinner ended the match with seven wickets, but his 5-89 in the second innings was what destroyed Jamaica.
He also played a key role with the bat, hitting 54 in the first innings, which took the game away from Jamaica.
"Their batting has always done fairly well ... they have Devon Smith, Junior Murray, John Eugene, Romel Currency and Kester Sylvester, these guys have made runs against Jamaica before," but Haynes did not seem too worried about the bowling which includes former Test paceman Cameron Cuffy.
"We are going there to claim maximum points. I think the least we should leave there with is eight points (first innings)," he said.
"The guys are focused, they are ready to play -- one thing I must say, the team sprit has been excellent, the vibes have been really good.
"Although the Windwards had the upper hand over us last year, we are more focussed, we are ready for them, we have worked out the Windwards, we know what not to do."
"We have a very balanced squad. Although we are a very young team ... I still believe we have a very good chance to win."
