PORTSMOUTH, Dominica (CMC):

Front-runners Barbados and bottom-of-the-table Windward Islands will usher in the Caribbean's latest first-class venue in their third round Carib Beer Series match starting at Benjamin's Park today.

Barbados hold an early lead in the standings with 18 points, after defeating Trinidad and Tobago and capturing first innings honours against Leeward Islands, while Windwards are languishing in the cellar with seven points from a no-decision against Guyana and conceding first innings lead to Jamaica.

Windwards have been weakened by the absence of top batsman Devon Smith and in-form all-rounder Darren Sammy.

"It might be difficult for us to get into the top two of the Carib Beer Series. Our hope is to try and get into the final four of the KFC one-day tournament," Leewards manager Lockhart Sebastian said.

Without dwayne smith

Barbados will be without Dwayne Smith, a consistent performer with both bat and ball this season, but they have Pedro Collins, Corey Collymore, Tino Best and Fidel Edwards.

"We're hoping to play good, positive cricket," skipper Ryan Hinds said. "We've been playing really well and have been consistent in the four-day format. I hope we can continue batting, bowling and fielding as well as we can."