Wildcard Weekend takes centre stage as the NFL Play-offs begin

The table is set and so is the schedule for the play-offs. It is the week after the final games of the regular season and all the debates and permutations from the various experts as to which teams would make the play-offs have been put to rest.

The Seahawks, Patriots, Panthers and Broncos all have a bye this weekend as they wait to see who their respective opponents will be at the conclusion of the Wildcard round. Tomorrow the Chiefs play the Colts and the Saints take on the Eagles. On Sunday, it’s the Chargers facing the Bengals and the 49ers against the Packers. The winners will go on to the Divisional play-offs. The losers of course get to clean out their lockers and go home. I like this format because of its brutal simplicity.Winning on the road is never easy and in the post season it becomes even more difficult. That being the case it would seem to make sense to place your bets on the home teams. But in the NFL a lot of stuff that goes down just doesn’t make any sense at all. In this Saturday’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Indianapolis Colts we have two teams who enter the play-offs under different circumstances. The home team (Colts) won their last three games convincingly, outscoring their opponents 78-20. The Chiefs on the other hand, go into the post season having lost five of their last seven games. They rested the majority of their starters last week in their game against the Chargers which they lost 23-7. It will be interesting to see whether or not the Chiefs’ much vaunted defence will keep out Andrew Luck and his Colts. The ace up their sleeve is head coach Andy Reid and the game plan he has drawn up for this game. But even this may not be enough to beat the Colts at home.In the next game the New Orleans Saints take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Philly. Now we all know that the Saints are hard to beat at home, and they finished the regular season with an 8-0 home record. On the road is a different story as they are just 3-5. This weekend they are on the road and up against a hot Philadelphia team coached by Chip Kelly and led by Nick Foles, who is one hot quarterback. A stat worth noting is that the Eagles had a dismal home record not having won a home game at Lincoln Financial Field in 14 months. But all that changed with the Eagles winning four consecutive games to finish the regular season. So, the question arises: can the Saints win on the road at Philadelphia? We will know the answer to this late Saturday night.On Sunday afternoon, the San Diego Chargers visit the Cincinnati Bengals and this one could be tricky to call. The Chargers’ quarterback Phillip Rivers is fiercely competitive and his team went 4-1 to close out the regular season. Their defence is vastly improved from one that gave up 25 points six times in their first 11 games, to one that held opponents to an average of only 18 points in their last five regular season games. On the other hand the Bengals are hard to beat at home in Paul Brown Stadium where they have not lost a game this season (8-0). It promises to be a hard fought matchup, Phillip Rivers against Andy Dalton. The outcome of this one may very well go against the premise of home field advantage.The last game of the weekend will see the San Francisco 49ers visiting the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in cold Green Bay. This is the only one of the four match-ups in which JustBet sports betting has the road team (the 49ers) favoured to win. The weather may well play a role in the outcome as the boys from sunny California may find it somewhat uncomfortable and hostile. The 49ers are hot right now, having won six in a row in the regular season under quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who apparently has come into his own by posting a quarterback rating of 108 which is good. But – and this is a good but to take into consideration – he is up against a guy named Aaron Rodgers, who is back from an injury that sidelined him for six weeks. Returning also is dynamic Packers’ receiver Randall Cobb to the offence. All this and the notion that home field is key in play-offs makes me wonder if it’s wise to bet against Green Bay.As expected a number of head coaches had their positions terminated which is par for the course in the NFL. It’s a tough league and owners want the franchise to succeed and the yardstick that measures success is the number of games won. But don’t feel sorry for these guys who lost their jobs. They get paid big bucks and most of them will find jobs with other teams. Take for example the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Rob Chudzinski, he was sent packing with a cheque for $10.5 million. That ought to ease the pain. The Detroit Lions let go Jim Schwartz after a pathetic showing by a seemingly rudderless team. The Houston Texans were one of the teams touted at the start of the season to go all the way. Instead, they ended up with just two wins. Head coach Gary Kubiak was let go in light of this poor record. Other coaches who got the axe were the Minnesota Vikings’ Leslie Frazier, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Greg Schiano and the Washington Redskins’ Mike Shanahan. Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (RGIII) must be a happy guy. It will be interesting to see for how long.The regular season has come to an end and it was most interesting for my colleagues and me in our picks against the JustBet point spread. Kudos and congratulations go out to Andre Hutchinson for a late regular season surge, which allowed him to surpass me and hang on to prevail as the overall champion. Incidentally we all finished up the regular season picks on a very strong note, yours truly posting a 12-3 mark in week 17, Lindo and Roper each posting 11-4 marks and the champion Hutchinson going 10-5. Remember that at the time of writing last week’s article, we did not yet have odds for the Bears vs Packers game due to the uncertainty of Aaron Rodgers’ playing status. So as a result we didn’t make a pick for that game.Yes folks, the play-offs are here and now things REALLY get interesting. It’s win or go home, and we can’t ask for more than that. Enjoy the games this weekend and remember to place your NFL bets with JustBet, Jamaica’s number one sports betting game. Also, remember to give us a listen on HITZ 92FM at 6:05 pm this and every Friday, for the NFL Gameday Forecast. Have a Happy New year and remember, “Just Win baby, Just Win”.To find a JustBet location near you, visit: www.supremeventures.com/justbetlocations. To find out more about JustBet, and how to bet on the NFL and other sports, visit www.supremeventures.com/justbet, www.facebook.com/justbet, www.twitter.com/justbet_ja , or call 1-888-429-5785 (toll-free).NFL WILDCARD PLAYOFF SCHEDULE& JUSTBET HANDICAPS(*JustBet Handicaps for each game in bracket, Under/Over for each game listed)Saturday, January 4IND COL_S v KC CHIEFS (+2.5), UNDER/OVER 46.5PHI EAGLES v NO SAINTS (+1.5), UNDER/OVER 54.5Sunday, January 5CIN BENGALS v SD CHARGERS (+7.5), UNDER/OVER 46.5GB PACKERS (+2.5 ) v SF 49ERS, UNDER/OVER 48.5EXPERTS’ PICKS AGAINST THE SPREADAndre Hutchinson’sWildcard Play-off PicksCOL_S v CHIEFSEAGLES v SAINTSBENGALS v CHARGERSPACKERS v 49ERSLast week’s record: 10-5Regular Season record: 136-119***REGULAR SEASON PICKS CHAMPION ***Tony Scott’sWildcard Play-off Picks COL_S v CHIEFSEAGLES v SAINTSBENGALS v CHARGERSPACKERS v 49ERSLast week’s record: 12-3Regular Season record: 132-123Peter Lindo’sWildcard Play-off PicksCOL_S v CHIEFSEAGLES v SAINTSBENGALS v CHARGERSPACKERS v 49ERSLast week’s record: 11-4Regular Season record: 129-126Andrei Roper’sWildcard Play-off Picks COL_S v CHIEFSEAGLES v SAINTSBENGALS v CHARGERSPACKERS v 49ERSLast week’s record: 11-4Regular Season record: 120-135

HOUSE RULES

1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.

2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.

3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.

4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.

5. Please don’t use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed:mailto:advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.

6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.

7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

comments powered by

View the original article here

Wildcard Weekend takes centre stage as the NFL Play-offs begin

Folk Singers begin season

Entertainment

Thursday, September 12, 2013

THE Jamaican Folk Singers will pay tribute to their late founder, Dr Olive Lewin, during their 2013 concert season which runs this weekend (September 13-15) at the Little Theatre in St Andrew.The group’s Musical Director Christine MacDonald Nevers notes that this year’s performances are the first without Lewin, who died in April of this year.“For the past 46 years, the Jamaican Folk Singers has honoured Dr Lewin with every performance, every rehearsal. We honour her for the sacrifices she made and the work done in unearthing and preserving Jamaica’s culture through folk music. This year will be no different, but takes on added significance since her passing.”Under the theme ‘Tribute and Celebration’ MacDonald Nevers says that patrons will be treated to the excitement of children’s games, and will also experience the drama of court proceedings where all matters are addressed.MacDonald Nevers has been musical director of the group for the past 10 years, but stresses that she grew up on the Jamaican Folk Singers as her mother, renowned soprano Marilyn Brice-MacDonald, remains one of the groups longest- serving members.“The Folk Singers is a part of who I am, and I continue to work towards the mission of the group which is to preserve Jamaica’s folk music and ensure that Jamaicans can have access to the music.”The 2013 concert season presents another opportunity for the group to use Jamaica’s folk music and its messages to uplift Jamaica, whilst highlighting some of the values of “old Jamaica”, with the music encouraging respect and understanding among people of different backgrounds.The Jamaican Folk Singers began as a group of friends who were invited by Olive Lewin to share her enthusiasm for Jamaica’s folk music, which developed with her experience in collecting and researching Jamaica’s folk music. From the group’s first public performance, there has been focus on maintaining respect for our traditions and for the people who have kept them alive. The Jamaican Folk Singers in a scene from their concert season last year.

HOUSE RULES

1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.

2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.

3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.

4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.

5. Please don’t use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed:mailto:advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.

6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.

7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

comments powered by

View the original article here

Folk Singers begin season

Young Reggae Boyz begin 10-day training camp

National Under-15 head coach Fabian Davis has called a 24-member squad for a 10-day training camp as Jamaica step up preparation for the inaugural CONCACAF Under-15 Boys’ Tournament to be held in the Cayman Islands from August 13 – 25.

The squad, of which 18 will travel, was scheduled to report to camp yesterday.Participating teams in the inaugural Under-15 event come from across the Caribbean and Central America, and include Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, The Cayman Islands, Curacao, The Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Martin, St Maarten, St Vincent, Trinidad & Tobago, and the US Virgin Islands.The competition will take place in three venues in Grand Cayman, with teams set to be divided into four groups of six. The top sides will qualify to a knockout round, which will yield the CONCACAF Under-15 Boys’ champion.The Jamaicans are in Group B alongside Belize, Dominican Republic, Grenada, St Lucia and Guatemala, and will play their first game against Grenada on August 13.The majority of the players in the national squad will represent St James, Clarendon, St Catherine and Kingston in the finals of the JFF National Under-13 and Under-15 Challenge Cup to be played today at Juici Patties field at the Clarendon Park.The squad trains twice a day at the JFF Football Centre at 7:00 am and 4:00 pm. The team manager is Howard Bell.

HOUSE RULES

1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.

2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.

3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.

4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.

5. Please don’t use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed:mailto:advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.

6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.

7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

comments powered by

View the original article here

Young Reggae Boyz begin 10-day training camp

Hearing for VCB"s failed test to begin soon

Sport

BY PAUL A REID Observer writer Thursday, August 01, 2013

MONTEGO BAY, St James — The hearing into the doping charges against sprint star Veronica Campbell Brown is expected to get under way very soon, the Jamaica Observer has been reliably informed.Campbell Brown, who tested positive for a stimulant at the May 4 Jamaica International Invitational (JII), has requested a hearing from the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) which has three months in which to put together a panel. The deadline for the request from the Campbell Brown camp was July 26 and it is understood that it was made on time.It is also understood that the hearing could take place soon, as the athlete, who has won 10 medals in the Olympic Games and World Championships, fights to clear her name of doping charges.As a result of the ‘B’ sample being confirmed, Campbell Brown, the defending champion in the women’s 200m, will miss the 14th IAAF World Championships that is set to start next week in Moscow, Russia, as she has been provisionally suspended until the hearing is completed.She is one of three top sprinters, including former men’s 100m world record holder Asafa Powell and Olympic Games silver medallist Sherone Simpson who tested positive for another stimulant at the June JAAA National Senior Championships, who will miss the global spectacle.The absence of Campbell Brown and Simpson will be a big loss to the women’s 4x100m relay team as both played big roles in the team’s silver medal performance at the London Olympic Games last year when they ran a National Record 41.41 seconds.Meanwhile, the Observer understands that the substance that Campbell Brown tested positive for is a stimulant, and not a diuretic as previously speculated.Positive tests for stimulants attract a maximum three months suspension or public warnings and the news confirms reports carried by the Observer in June, and later confirmed by the IAAF that the matter was a ‘minor’ offence.News of Campbell Brown’s positive test in mid-June rocked the track and field world, but except for a brief statement just over a week later, the track superstar’s handlers have refused to make any public statements, and her manager Claude Bryan has declined several interview requests from the Observer as late as earlier this week.

HOUSE RULES

1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.

2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.

3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.

4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.

5. Please don’t use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed:mailto:advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.

6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.

7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

comments powered by

View the original article here

Hearing for VCB"s failed test to begin soon

Expectations high as Jamaica begin CASA Junior Champs

JAMAICAN officials are optimistic about breaking the dominance of perennial overall winners Guyana at the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Junior Championships in Trinidad & Tobago.

“The last few years they (Guyana) have been the dominant force, but I think this year may have a different outcome,” team manager Gill Binnie said during last Thursday’s squad announcement at the Liguanea Club.The delegation left the island on Saturday for the tournament which gets under way today.The one-week-long Championships will feature male and female team categories as well as individual competitions ranging through age groups of Under-13s, Under-15s, Under-17s and Under-19s.The long-legged 14-year-old starlet Alyssa Mullings, an all-conquering giant on the local squash scene at both the youth and senior levels, is favoured to successfully defend her Under-15 Girls’ title.Despite Mullings’ undoubted class, the Guyanese — current holders of the overall title — are the obvious team favourites. Last year, Jamaica hosted the competition and placed fourth overall.But according to Binnie, the competition-ripe Jamaican Boys’ team will be a major force and can win if they play to their “full potential”.“I think our Boys’ team will do very well. Our older boys have come right through the system and now they are ready. They have that experience and all the extra training they’ve done this year,” she said, while adding that the tournament will be a “learning ground” for the girls.Binnie noted the key acquisition of Canadian Rene Denis, who has coached the team since February. She believes the players have improved since his arrival and insisted that high on the Jamaica Squash Association’s (JSA) agenda is to find a way to retain his services.“We brought him in for six months, so that time is up in August and it’s very difficult because as you know, sponsorship is hard to come by. Now we are hoping we can find a sponsor on board to bring him back in September because if we lose him, we will be in problems.“We need to build on what was started and we have lots of young players,” said Binnie, an active component in Jamaica’s squash movement for over 20 years.The 18-year-old male captain Ashante Smith, a University of Technology student, talked up Jamaica’s chances and expressed gratitude to Denis in giving the team “a really good chance of winning this year”.The squad’s female leader Jessica Perkins, also 18, is a student at George Washington University. She said a rigorous routine of “playing games, undergoing tactical and fitness drills” and the ideal dose of experienced and talented young players have formed a formidable unit.The 2013 tournament comprises a total of eight teams and will feature more than 100 players across the region.Fast-food franchise Burger King and sport outfit company 305 Squash are the Jamaican team’s sponsors.Squads: Females — Jessica Perkins, Sarah Conway, Mira Handa, Michaelann Denton, Alyssa Mullings, Ashley Lynch, Mia Lake and Mia Mahfood.Males — Ashante Smith, Adam Ardito, Alex Wright, Jake Mahfood, Joe Rousseau, Jonathan Walker, Julian Morrison and Tahjia Lumley.Jamaica’s junior squash players and officials pose after last Thursday’s squad announcement at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston. (PHOTO: ASTON SPAULDING)

View the original article here

Expectations high as Jamaica begin CASA Junior Champs

All set Jamaica poised to begin medal hunt at WYC

MONTEGO BAY, St James — Jamaica are poised to start its medal hunt at the Eighth IAAF World Youth Championships after a brilliant start on yesterday’s first day in Donetsk, Ukraine.

Thirteen of the 16 athletes who participated on the opening day advanced to the next round and with four finals set for the afternoon session, medals will be on offer.Leading the charge yesterday were the male sprinters Michael O’Hara and Waseem Williams, and the female sprint hurdlers Yanique Thompson and Rushelle Burton, as well as male 400m hurdlers Marvin Williams and Okeen Williams, all of whom dominated their events.All four 400m runners, as well as female 400m hurdler Andrenetta Knight, and both female 100m runners advanced.The finals of the female 100m hurdles and both 100m will be run on today’s second day.Meanwhile, men’s shotputter Demar Gayle, female discus thrower Paul-Ann Gayle and female triple jumper Tamara Moncrieffe all failed to advance past the first rounds of their respective events.Today five more Jamaicans, led by high jumper Christoffe Bryan, will bow into action.Bryan, with a season-best 2.19m is the top-ranked jumper in the championships, and will be seeking Jamaica’s first gold in this event. He will contest Group B of the qualification and the 2.09m automatic qualifying mark should be easy to achieve.Jaheel Hyde and Jordon Chin will contest the first rounds of the men’s 110m hurdles with Rochelle Frazer and Isheka Binns taking part in the first round of the women’s shot put. The final is set for the afternoon session.Yesterday O’Hara, who is one of the gold medal favourites in the championships and who is seeking Jamaica’s first ever sprint double at the WYC, and Williams both won their first round heats in 10.66 seconds, same time as Barbadian Mario Burke.American Kenzo Cotton ran a personal best 10.52 seconds to lead the first round followed by China’s Youxe Mo’s 10.64 seconds.O’Hara, whose personal best is 10.39 seconds, will face Mo in his semi-final heat, while Williams runs in the third semi-final.National junior champion Joneille Smith looked easy in her qualifying heat, second in 12.13 seconds to Italian Annalia Spadotto Scott (12.12 seconds), while Saqukine Cameron, who was third in her heat in 11.90 seconds, advanced as one of the fastest losers.Yanique Thompson, who went into the championships with the top time in the world and had three of the four best times this season, ran 13.52 seconds, the second best of the day to win her heat in the women’s 100m hurdles to take her place in today’s semi-finals.Burton, who is also highly ranked, won her first round heat in 13.78 seconds for the fourth best time of the day.Two Americans ran personal best times to be first and third, respectively; Dior Hall’s 13.39 seconds was the best from the first round, while Mikia Brisco ran 13.73 seconds.The surprise of the day came in the boys’ 400m hurdles where the St Elizabeth Technical pair of Marvin Williams and Okeen Williams cruised their first round to easy wins.Marvin Williams ran a personal best 51.33 seconds, best on the day and third best in the world so far this season, to beat Japan’s Takumu Furuya, who ran a personal best 52.59 seconds.Okeen Williams, the Central American and Caribbean junior Under-18 record holder at 51.68 seconds, won his heat in a season’s best 52.11 seconds, well ahead of Tunisia’s Mohamed Fares Jlassi-53.38 seconds.Americans Marlon Humphries and Kenneth Selmon, the number one and two ranked runners in the event this year, are also through to today’s semifinals.Okeen, who won the event at the National Championships, and Humphrey will clash in the third of three semis, with the top two from each booking their place in Saturday’s final.Knight eased down noticeably in her first round heat in the women’s event and was third in 1 minute 01.24 seconds, but still managed to get an automatic qualifying spot in the semifinals.All four quarter milers won their first round heat easily and will contest the semifinals today.Martin Manley had the fifth best time of the round when he ran 47.08 seconds, while joint world leader Devaughn Baker ran 47.58 seconds to win his heat.Tiffany James, the CARIFTA Games Under-17 champion had the fourth best time of 54.66 seconds to win her heat, while Yanique McNeil was just behind her in fifth place with 54.69 seconds.Moncrieffe just missed a spot in the triple jump final after placing 13th overall, jumping 12.48m and beaten out by Russia’s Kristina Malaya with 12.57m.Paul-Ann Gayle’s 42.63m in the women’s discus throw was good enough for seventh in her group and 14th overall, just missing the top 12.Her Edwin Allen schoolmate Demar Gayle threw a personal best 18.34m, but was ninth in his shot put group and 18th overall.All set Jamaica poised to begin medal hunt at WYC

HOUSE RULES

1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.

2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.

3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.

4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.

5. Please don’t use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed:mailto:advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.

6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.

7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

comments powered by

View the original article here

All set Jamaica poised to begin medal hunt at WYC

Windies begin tri-nation series against Sri Lanka at Sabina Park today

TWO men finding their way as team leaders go head-to-head when West Indies entertain Sri Lanka in the Celkon Mobile Tri-Nation One-Day International (ODI) series opener at Sabina Park in Jamaica today.

The exciting West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo took over from Darren Sammy as skipper of the ODI team ahead of the recent ICC Champions Trophy in England.Thanks to the fatal touch of the much-maligned Duckworth & Lewis method, the regional side returned home empty-handed after tying with South Africa in a rain-hit encounter which saw Kieron Pollard being dismissed off what turned out to be the last ball of their run-chase.At yesterday’s launch of the tournament — which also involves ICC World Cup 50-overs champions India — at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Bravo said the exit was a blow for the ambitions of the team.However, he urged the importance of building on the momentum gained since winning the World Twenty20 (T20) title last year.“There was disappointment but we take positives… out of England. I want the team to do well and go onto great things and make the people proud of the Caribbean team,” the 29-year-old said.Mathews, the 26-year-old all-rounder, became Sri Lanka’s youngest ever Test captain when he took charge in February of this year.His team, boosted by contributions of the ever-green batting pair of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, and the missile-launching pace bowler Lasith Malinga, reached the semi-final of the Champions Trophy before losing out to eventual winners India.Relative success withstanding, the near future provides a tricky challenge for Mathews. Whilst developing as an effective captain, he has to oversee Sri Lanka’s successful transition from over-dependence on the senior stalwarts.With India’s obvious prowess in ODI’s and the home advantage and the recent T20 conquest resting in West Indies’ favour, the Sri Lanka captain gladly accepts the tag of unlikely outsiders.Lauding the support he has received from young and old alike, he prefers to watch his team grow one step at a time.“They are the two current champions of T20 and the One-Dayers… we feel like we are the underdogs, but we have got the team to do well at this format and I’m pretty confident in my team.“I’m pretty happy to have the team that I have. I’m getting support from all the senior guys as well as the junior guys. I would like to take one game at a time and one series at a time… and play some good cricket,” Mathews explained.Under the guidance of head coach Ottis Gibson, the West Indies team, while struggling against top opposition in the longer format of the game, has been a far tougher nut to crack in 50-overs and T20 cricket, particularly on familiar turf.Bravo, while calling for consistency from his players, alluded to the home advantage and cautiously set his sights on coming out on top in the two-week tournament.“The goal is to try and get to the final and obviously to win, but everything is a process.“We can be good in this format… we want to get a winning culture back into the team. Get some consistency, some fight … I want to make sure the guys are up for it and at the end of the day make sure whatever the result, they give a 100 per cent,” Bravo said, while adding that the previously banned wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin should return to the starting eleven.Sri Lanka are without the injured batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan, but his absence aside, both squads are packed with first-choice players. The Asian team sports the batting calibre of Mathews, Upul Tharanga and Dinesh Chandimal to support Sangakkara and Jayawardene.The bowling boasts Malinga, his pace partner Nuwan Kulasekara and the wily spinner Ajantha Mendis, who though not so much of a mystery to other cricketing nations, is expected to get a start to continue his success against West Indies batsmen.Alot of eyes will also be trained on West Indies’ own mystery spinner Sunil Narine and a string of seamers, and the effect they will have on a Sabina Park surface which offered abundant help to both pace and slow bowlers in the domestic regional tournament.For the home team, the batting will rely on the aggressive Christopher Gayle, Johnson Charles, Kieron Pollard, Bravo and Marlon Samuels, who in particular, enjoyed great success against Malinga in the final of the T20 showpiece last year.Though Malinga did get some consolation during the Australian Big Bash when his bouncer nearly had a career-ending effect when it clipped Samuels bat and struck the player in his eye.Squads: West Indies — Dwayne Bravo (capt), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Christopher Gayle, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Devon Smith.Sri Lanka — Angelo Mathews (capt), Dinesh Chandimal, Shaminda Eranga, Rangana Herath, Mahela Jayawardene, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dilhara Lokuhettige, Lasith Malinga, Ajantha Mendis, Jeevan Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kumar Sangakkara, Sachithra Senanayake, Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne.Celkon Mobile’s executive director Murali Retineni (second left) is flanked (from left) by captains Dwayne Bravo of the West Indies, Mahendra Singh Dhoni of India and Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka during yesterday’s official launch of the Celkon Mobile Tri-Nation ODI series at the Pegasus Hotel. (PHOTO: BRYAN CUMMINGS)West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle grips a catch during a practice session at the Sabina Park in Kingston yesterday. West Indies will face Sri Lanka in the first match of a Tri-Nation series involving India, too. (PHOTO: AFP)

View the original article here

Windies begin tri-nation series against Sri Lanka at Sabina Park today