Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Carlton Baugh Jr and Jamaica batsman Brendan Nash have been called up to the West Indies cricket team for the upcoming tri-nation tour of Canada and the ICC Champions Trophy.

The duo, who were instrumental in Jamaica winning the regional limited overs KFC Cup and the four-day Carib Beer Series and Challenge Shield, received calls yesterday regarding their availability after discussions with the manager of the West Indies team, Omar Khan.

'Make the best of it'

"I got the news today and it feels very good," said Baugh, who expressed satisfaction that his hard work and dedication have landed him another shot at representing the region.

"Given the fact that I have been recalled show that the selectors didn't write me off. Now that I have been given another opportunity, I plan to hold it with both hands and make the best use of it."

Nash led all batsmen in the recently concluded Carib Beer Series, and was referred to as "unfortunate" by many not have been called up for either the Sri Lanka or Australia home series. The 30-year-old left-hander is currently in England, where he is competing in the Lancashire Leagues.

The 26-year-old Baugh, an aggressive right-handed batsman who averages 19.60 in Tests (5) and 15.50 (25) in one-day internationals, last represented the West Indies at the last ICC Champions Trophy in India, where he played all the matches.

His last Test match was overseas in 2004 against England.

The former Wolmerian, who also has six Twenty20 International matches under his belt at an average of 21.50 and a strike rate of 215, was a stand-out for Jamaica against the touring Australians earlier this year, when he scored a patient but stroke-filled century to help Jamaica earn a draw.

A fighter

"When I was not in the squad and not being called up for at least 'A' Team tours it played up on my mind," explained Baugh. "But I am a fighter and not someone who gives up easily, so I knew that once I put in the work I would have got another chance ... as once there is life there is hope."

The ICC Champions Trophy is slated to start on September 11 in Pakistan, with the West Indies playing the hosts.