Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
Manchester's spin bowler Andre Dwyer (left), a new member of Jamaica's senior cricket team, receives his cap from first vice president of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), Paul Campbell, at a presentation of colours ceremony at Melbourne Oval yesterday. Members of the team received playing gear ahead of Tuesday's departure for the Leeward Islands.

Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

Jamaica's senior team cricket captain, Wavell Hinds, has blamed indiscipline for Jamaica's poor performance during last season's regional Carib Beer tournament.

"I thought persons weren't fully focused on the game of cricket and were not aware of what was required at the national level," he told The Sunday Gleaner in an interview at Melbourne Oval yesterday.

In a season where at least one player was suspended for two matches following an heated argument during a team meeting, Hinds said some players probably took their places on the team for granted.

"They have learnt their lesson from the results," said Hinds who added that he hoped the players will put last season's performance behind them.

Upbeat

"I think we all have to take the blame and pool our efforts together and make sure we give a far improved performance this season. ...We have learnt from the mistakes and it is good for them (the players) to know that if you don't do the necessary work you won't get the necessary results."

Hinds was upbeat about going into the opening game.

"I think we should be in good stead, if we stay focused - and let our attitude dictate our results," the Kensington left-handed batsman said.

Last season, 2005 champions Jamaica, with what was generally regarded as the most talented bunch of players, finished bottom of the tables on 12 points. Trinidad & Tobago were crowned Carib Beer and Challenge Shield champions. The team also performed poorly in the one-day version of the game.

Carlton Baugh (234), Hinds (232), Marlon Samuels (229) and Tamar Lambert (215) were the only players to score over 200 runs last season, while Gareth Breese (20), Andrew Richardson (13) and Jerome Taylor (12) took most wickets.

Hinds collected his gear for the season along with other members of the team at a presentation of colours ceremony at Melbourne Oval yesterday. Members of the team received playing gear ahead of Tuesday's departure for their opening match against Leeward Islands at Warner Park in St. Kitts. The four-day game starts on January 4.

Jamaica will be under a new management team with Junior Bennett and Milton Henry as the coach and manager respectively.

Squad:

Wavell Hinds (captain), Tamar Lambert (vice captain), Christo-pher Gayle, Brenton Parchment, Lorenzo Ingram, David Bernard Jr., Carlton Baugh Jr., Nikita Miller, Odean Brown, Jerome Taylor, Jermaine Lawson, Daren Powell, Andre Dyer and Marlon Samuels.

Feedback: Anthony.foster@ gleanerjm.com.