( L - R ) Gayle, Taylor and Joseph

CAYON, St. Kitts (CMC):

Kittitians are gearing themselves up for what promises to be an intriguing battle between the Leeward Islands and visiting Jamaica as the first-round matches in the Carib Beer Series begin today.

The two sides come face to face at St. Mary's Park, five miles east of the capital city, and the Jamaicans are eager to rebound from their wretched 2006 season when their impressive on-paper line-up plunged to the bottom of the table without a win.

Boasting eight players with West Indies experience, the Jamaicans will be seeking to make amends for the poor run they had in last year's tournament.

Hard-hitting, left-handed West Indies opener Chris Gayle is leading the batting attack for the Jamaicans. Marlon Samuels, Brenton Parchment, and captain Wavell Hinds are also capable of scoring heavily.

The bowling attack is very impressive with the likes of Jerome Taylor, Daren Powell, and the fiery Jermaine Lawson, seeking to return to West Indies colours after a prolonged absence caused by injury and problems with his bowling action.

At a practice session yesterday afternoon, Jamaica coach Junior Bennett stated that his team is expected to do well.

GOOD FORM

"A number of players have exhibited good form in the trial matches leading up to the start of this tournament and we anticipate that they will continue in this vein," he explained.

"We have a number of utility players in our team who should serve us well in all aspects of the game, be it bowling, batting or fielding. The guys are focused and are looking forward to giving their best," Bennett added.

Manager of the Leeward Islands team, Wingrove Grant, is hoping that his captain Sylvester Joseph wins the toss so that they could have first knock on the opening day.

He emphasised that the strength of his team lies in the batting and the aim would be to establish a huge total and exert some early pressure on the opposition.

Experienced bowling attack

"The bowling attack is an experienced one and providing that we have a decent total to defend I am confident they can more than hold their own. The guys are all in a positive frame of mind and are looking forward to the home support that is vital to any local team," Grant added.

Chief groundsman Everton Halliday said that although the strip for this encounter will be played on for the first time, he does not think that there would be any surprises. He believes both bowlers and batsmen will be comfortable with the end product.

Their encounter in Kingston last year finished in an exciting draw. Set 216 to win after the visiting Leewards were bowled out for a second innings 242, Jamaica lost wickets steadily before finishing at 212 for nine in fading light at Kensington Park.

TEAMS: JAMAICA - Wavell Hinds (captain), Tamar Lambert (vice-captain), Christopher Gayle, Brenton Parchment, Lorenzo Ingram, David Bernard Jr., Carlton Baugh Jr., Nikita Miller, Odean Browne, Jerome Taylor, Jermaine Lawson, Daren Powell, Marlon Samuels, André Dwyer.

LEEWARDS - Sylvester Joseph (captain), Runako Morton (vice-captain), Austin Richards Jr., Gavin Tonge, Kerry Jeremy, Adam Stanford, Carl Simon, Wilden Cornwall, Omari Banks, Shane Jeffers, Steve Liburd, Jason Williams, Tonito Willet, Justin Athanaze.

UMPIRES: Luther Kelly and Clyde Duncan (Wycliffe Mitchum).