Jamaicans coming hard

BEWARE, BARBADOS!

Stung by a shocking defeat against lightweights Windward Islands last weekend, reigning regional Cup holders Jamaica plan to set the record straight when they meet Courtney Browne's red-hot men in the third round of the Carib Beer Series, starting today.

"Our priority is to win. We must try and get 12 points in this game," Jamaica coach Robert Haynes said yesterday.

After that narrow defeat to the Windwards in Kingston, there was a serious post-mortem.

The players have been told what is expected of them.

"We had a strong meeting after the game. The captain and I spoke to them," Haynes said.

"We let them know the youngsters have to pull their weight."

Veterans Nehemiah Perry and captain Robert Samuels gave Jamaica a chance of victory on the last day, but the only youngster who made an impression in the match against Windwards was Dave Bernard Jr.

"The youngsters are the future of Jamaica and West Indies cricket," Haynes said.

"They need to come and keep their head down. Having said that, they are pretty keen.

"They realised they blundered in that game. We've just got to set the record straight by going out there and playing some good cricket against Barbados."

The Jamaica team that will take the field over the next four days will be more formidable than the one that played at Sabina Park last weekend.

The recuperating Gareth Breese is set for his first match of the tournament following knee surgery, while Leon Garrick and Franklyn Rose return after missing the last match for varying reasons.

Rose, Jamaica's most experienced fast bowler, was surprisingly dropped after the opening match, while Garrick served a one-match suspension for a breach of discipline.

Haynes confirmed both would be in the line-up for the match that will be played at Barbados' newest first-class venue - the North Stars Cultural and Social Club in Crab Hill in the northern parish of St Lucy.

"Franklyn didn't bowl well in Anguilla and the selectors dropped him," Haynes said.

"But Franklyn is a professional. He realised that he wasn't bowling well. He's looking a lot better. We know we can depend on him. It is just for him to get his confidence."

Opener Garrick hit a half-century in the opening match before he landed himself in trouble with Jamaican cricket authorities.

"He paid his price. He is a class player. Once he is focused, he is going to get a lot of runs," Haynes said.

"I think all Jamaica are glad to see him back in the team. We want to see him go out there and perform to the best of his ability."