JAMAICA Scorpions will be aiming for a positive start in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Four-Day Professional Cricket League when they open their campaign against Barbados Pride at Kensington Oval today.

The youthful 13-man Scorpions squad, which includes Barbados batsman Kirk Edwards who was drafted earlier this season, was confident of a good showing prior to their departure on Wednesday.

Paul Palmer, who will be making his senior first-class debut for Jamaica, has been tasked with leading the team through the 10-game long season. The 23-year-old is aware of the task at hand and believes that the mixture of youth and experience of the team can have a positive effect.

However, Jamaica have been struggling to field a sustainable batting unit in recent years, which was once again brought to the fore following a disappointing display in last year’s competition. They

only registered three wins from 10 games, while losing five and drawing two against Barbados Pride.

Palmer, a former Under-19 captain, who has represented the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) and the UWI Vice-Chancellor’s XI in two first-class and two One Day matches, and fellow left-handed opener John Campbell, will shoulder the responsibility of laying a good platform at the top of the order.

Meanwhile, the young but experienced Kraigg Brathwaite will lead what also seems a youthful Barbados Pride squad, with the likes of wicketkeeper/batsman Shane Dorwich, Shai Hope and Kyle Corbin.

Pride recorded five victories last season, while drawing four games with only one loss coming against eventual champions Guyana Jaguars. Those statistics speak volumes to their level of consistency, and they will be aiming to settle the score now, renewing rivalry with the Jamaicans.

— Sherdon Cowan