MILTON Thomas, the new Jamaica Under-15 cricket head coach, says players are “upbeat” and eager going into the 2024 West Indies Rising Stars tournament in Antigua.

The Jamaicans, comprising a 14-member playing squad, were scheduled to depart the island on Sunday ahead of their opening match against Leeward Islands on Tuesday.

“The guys are upbeat,” Thomas told the Jamaica Observer just prior to their departure.

Thomas, who replaces the experienced Philip Service as coach of the Under-15s, said once the budding cricketers play to their abilities he expects an improvement on Jamaica’s last-place finish from the previous season.

“I am hoping these youngsters play to their full potential. If they do that, I will be satisfied and I am certain it would put us in a good place.”

Thomas admitted feeling some jitters as he embarks on a new journey with his squad.

“I am excited, and of course a little nervous too. I am looking forward to impart [ing] my knowledge the best way I can, and I hope these youngsters will leave this tournament as better players and persons,” he said.

The tournament is also set to feature the other traditional regional teams — defending champions Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Barbados, and Windward Islands.

Each team is to to play five 50-over matches across four venues, with the top country on points emerging as champions

Squad – Demario Hall (captain), Deshawn Smith, Tyson Gordon, Tesfah Ward, Abraham Waugh, Andrew Lloyd, Romario Salmon, Wayne Plummer, Eckoney Robinson, Jaheim Frater, Humaro Reid, Ryan Littleton, Dilantae Scott, Jahdai Grey

— Sanjay Myers