Jamaica cricketers, from left, Jerome Taylor, David Bernard Jnr., Brenton Parchment, Xavier Marshall, Andrew Richardson and Carlton Baugh Jnr. run during their final practice session for the Carib Beer Series match-up this week against Trinidad and Tobago, at Melbourne Oval yesterday. The team leaves today. - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
JAMAICA'S CRICKET team will depart this afternoon for Trinidad and Tobago where they will face the hosts in a third round Carib Beer Series match.
The team went through its final preparation yesterday and up to late afternoon, there was only one minor hiccup for the Carib Beer Series leaders who are on 12 points from two matches.
Manager Maurice Clarke reported that "Marlon Samuels had a minor condition ... an upset stomach".
When asked if stomach ailment was likely to prevent Samuels from travelling, Clarke, replied: "We shouldn't think so. Based on what we heard we don't think it's anything serious.
DOCTOR'S REPORT
"However, we should get the doctor's report by tomorrow morning (today)," Clarke told The Gleaner yesterday.
If Samuels is unable to travel, Danza Hyatt could be the likely replacement.
Meanwhile, Clarke said the team is ready for the Trinidadian challenge.
PLAYERS ARE PHYSICALLY FIT
"The team is training well, the guys are physically fit ... they did well to keep themselves fit over the holidays," Clarke admitted.
He added: "Even though we haven't had our full slate of West Indies players back due to injury and suspension, they are in capable hands.
"The mood in the camp is one of optimism and we are looking to do well in Trinidad & Tobago," Clarke told The Gleaner after Jamaica's final practice session at Melbourne Oval yesterday.
Though the team was unable to get batting and bowling practice at yesterday's session because of an unprepared pitch, the manager reiterated the expectations.
"We are expected to do well in Trinidad and Tobago ... and also in Barbados, we should play some positive cricket there also."
SQUAD:
Wavell Hinds (captain), Xavier Marshall, Brenton Parchment, Shawn Findlay, Carlton Baugh Jr., David Bernard Jr., Nikita Miller, Andrew Richardson, Jermaine Lawson, Jerome Taylor, Tamar Lambert, Gareth Breese, and Marlon Samuels.
-A. Foster
