Jamaica's squad delayed again (6 Jan 1998)

January 6, 1998

Jamaica's squad delayed again

The Gleaner

CRICKET: Jamaica's 13 man squad to represent the island in the regional four-day President's Cup is still to be known as the absence of captain Courtney Walsh has caused the selectors to delay choosing the team until today.

The squad should have been named on Sunday but this was delayed because Friday's opening day of the final trial match at Melbourne Oval was abandoned as a result of rain.

The Jamaica Cricket Board of Control (JCBC) then said the squad would have been selected yesterday but Walsh's input was needed. He is in Antigua where he is meeting with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). Walsh left the island yesterday.

However, chairman of the selection committee Chester Watson said the problem will be solved today, as the selectors will have telephone dialogue with the captain after which they squad will be released. Watson also hinted after yesterday's final day of the four-day trial match at Melbourne Oval, that the squad will include a number of new faces for Jamaica's opening fixture against Barbados at Sabina Park on Friday.

Watson said, "there will certainly be new faces in this year's squad. We cannot release the names until we consult with the captain. We are expecting to speak with Walsh tonight (yesterday) through telephone and by noon tomorrow (today) names will be released."

Meanwhile, Andre Coley who resumed on 75 failed to add to his tally yesterday as the trial ended in a draw.

Scores Walsh's XI 187 and 194 for 5; Perry's XI 225 for eight declared. Ventura used the opportunity to send a strong message to the selectors with a solide 73.

Other good contributions also came from young batsman Tamar Lambert (55), Tony Powell (47), Gareth Breese (46), Ricardo Powell (33 not out and Carl Wright 37.

Bowlers to get among the wickets during the trial are Walsh, who snapped up two for 33 from 14 overs, West Indies pacer Franklyn Rose (three for 43 from 15), Patrick Patterson (two for 15 from ten), Oneil Richards (three for 21 from 9.4 overs), Paul Tomlinson (two for 48 from 14 overs) and Kirk Powell (two for 35 from ten).

Source :: The Jamaica Gleaner (https://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/)