Anthony Foster, Freelance WriterACTING CAPTAIN Tamar Lambert believes occupying the crease is Jamaica's only concern going into the President's Cup regional one-day tournament in Barbados next week.
"Based on the practice matches we have played, no team seems to want to bat 50 overs," Lambert stated, after leading his team to a 80-run win over a Melbourne Invitational XI at Melbourne Oval yesterday. Jamaica, without West Indies' selectees Marlon Samuels, Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Daren Powell and Carlton Baugh from their 14-man President's Cup squad, were bowled out for 205 in 46.4 overs.
Reserve Keith Hibbert, 46, and Danza Hyatt, 45. scored the most runs against the likes of Roman Hutchinson (3-37), Odean Brown (2-27), Sheldon Smith (2-30) and Nennetto Davis (2-30).
Lambert said his team's aim today against a Manchester Invitational XI at Kirkvine Sports Club was to stay at the crease.
"That is one of the aims tomorrow, to go out and see if we can bat 50 overs," he said.
"However, we are fairly pleased with the batting," he said after his side scored 205 on a heavy Melbourne outfield.
In reply, the Melbourne Invitational XI fell for 125 in 27 overs. Another reserve player, Bevon Brown (4-10), and Alton Beckford (2-13) claimed the bulk of the wickets.
Lambert had high praise for the bowlers.
"We went out there and bowled pretty well and got the 10 wickets very quickly ... it was a good workout for the guys," he concluded.
