TITLE-holders Jamaica welcome strugglers Leeward Islands to Sabina Park in today’s ‘David versus Goliath’ battle in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Super50 tournament, set to start at 9:30 am.

The Jamaicans currently lead the standings with 14 points after registering three wins — including a bonus incentive — from as many matches, while the Leeward Islands, who shared the regional 50-overs title with Barbados two seasons ago, are floundering at the base with three straight losses so far.

Jamaica’s senior cricket team manager Donovan Senior told the Jamaica Observer yesterday that the Tamar Lambert-led unit has been cautioned against complacency.

“We had a team meeting and I can tell you we are taking this game very seriously… the Leewards are at the bottom of the league right now, (but) we can’t afford to drop our guard. We have to play some good cricket,” hew said.

The strength of Jamaica’s bowling attack played a key role in previous victories over Barbados, Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) and the Windward Islands.

Jamaica will be boosted by the selection of left-arm swing bowler Krishmar Santokie and West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell.

The Leewards team, captained by 34-year-old Sylvester Joseph, arrived in the island on Monday and had a final practice session yesterday at Sabina Park.

Jamaica and the Leewards also meet in the WICB Four-day tournament, starting on Saturday.

Squads:

Jamaica — Tamar Lambert (capt), Nkrumah Bonner, Danza Hyatt, Andre McCarthy, Jermaine Blackwood, Andre Russell, David Bernard, Carlton Baugh, Nikita Miller, Odean Brown, Krishmar Santokie, Simon Jackson, Andrew Richardson.

Leeward Islands — Sylvester Joseph (capt), Montcin Hodge, Steven Liburd, Tonito Willett, Lindel Richardson, Anthony Martin, Kelbert Walters, Justin Anthanaze, Anthony Martin, Akeen Saunders, Ezroy Powell, Javia Hamilton.