BY SHERDON COWAN Observer staff reporter
Thursday, January 15, 2015
HEAD coach of the Jamaica Franchise cricket team Junior Bennett is confident that the team will be able to get the job done in the upcoming Nagico Super50 tournament in Trinidad & Tobago, despite fielding five debutants in the 14-man squad.
The coach also made it clear that the limited-overs team is in a rebuilding phase.
“I think we will give a good account of ourselves; we have worked extremely hard during our preparation phase, so it’s just for us to go out there now and execute efficiently,” he told the Jamaica Observer before the team’s departure from Sabina Park to the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday.
“Our one-day team is in transition at the moment, so we have five debutants in the squad right now. I am just hoping that they go out there, play some good, consistent cricket right throughout [and] once our cricket continues to improve I am happy about that. But I have no doubt in the abilities of these youngsters,” he said.
The five debutants included in the Nikita Miller-led squad, which departed the island yesterday en route to the twin-isle republic, are Damion Jacobs, Dennis Bulli, Marquino Mindley, Derval Green and Gavon Brown. The squad is completed by John Campbell, Horace Miller, Nkrumah Bonner, David Bernard, Tamar Lambert, Andre McCarthy, Jermaine Blackwood and Danza Hyatt, who makes a long-awaited return.
The Jamaicans will play from Group B alongside Trinidad & Tobago, the Leeward Island Hurricanes and the West Indies Under-19. They will open their account against the Leeward Island Hurricanes in Port of Spain tomorrow.
“First thing we need to do is just try to focus on making the semi-finals, because once we make the final four we are definitely on our way,” said the veteran coach.
“We intend to take it match by match…go out there and play good, competitive cricket. The bowling unit is in good form, so hopefully our batting will come to the fore and get good team totals.
“We won’t rely on any one player. What I do want is a good team effort from everyone. Once everyone goes out there and improves their cricket and make a concerted effort…I will be pleased with that,” he added.
Meanwhile, Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) representative Bulli expressed his delight at the opportunity.
“I have been waiting for this a very long time. I have been training very hard, working with the coach and the team. So I am prepared and ready to go,” he told the Jamaica Observer.
The all-rounder, who bowls left-arm unorthodox, will be expected to play a significant role in the spin department.
“I heard that the wickets in Trinidad spin a lot and that will suit my kind of bowling, because naturally, I spin the ball big, so I am looking to contribute a lot in helping Jamaica win the tournament. I also intend to play my part with the bat at any given time,” he explained.
View the original article here
Bennett confident Jamaica Franchise can spark at Nagico Super50 tourney
