JAMAICA Scorpions Head Coach Robert Haynes says he is confident John Campbell will thrive in the role as captain even though the left-handed batsman is just returning from an almost two-year ban.

On Thursday the 31-year-old Campbell, a former captain of the Scorpions, was named to lead the team during the Regional Super50 Cup in Trinidad and Tobago, from October 29 to November 23.

Campbell, who has played 20 Test matches for the West Indies, had been banned for four years by Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) in late 2022 for failing to provide a testing sample to doping control officers in April 2022. The ban was later reduced by two years and two months after he brought his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sports.

The ban reduction allowed him to resume playing competitive cricket in late summer and, according to Haynes, the top-order batsman has hit the ground running.

“He’s ready for cricket, he’s hungry for cricket, and he’s been focused,” the head coach told the Jamaica Observer.

“He has been training, doing all that was necessary in terms of his fitness. Since coming back he got a hundred in the first trial game. And we played a practice game on Wednesday, which was rained out eventually, but he got 70-odd runs.”

Haynes said given the youthful make-up of the squad — regular Super50 Captain Rovman Powell and other senior players Brandon King and Fabian Allen are on West Indies white-ball duty — Campbell was a straightforward pick to lead.

“I’m very confident in John because he has the experience and this is not something new to him — he was the Jamaica captain in four-day cricket before he got suspended.

“Brad Barnes is somebody else that we looked on as captain but when we look at the squad, in terms of leaders, John was the best option, with all his experience. John’s contribution in terms of what we are planning for the tournament has been great,” he explained.

Sidelined West Indies batsman Kirk McKenzie is Campbell’s deputy in a squad that includes 18-year-old Excelsior High schoolboy Tamarie Redwood.

Leg-spinner Redwood represented West Indies Under-19s on a tour to Sri Lanka in late 2023 and was a reserve player for the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa early this year.

“Redwood has done well for Kensington in club cricket. He came into the trial matches and bowled exceptionally well. He’s a wicket-taker and he’s a young man that has a very bright future,” Haynes said when asked about the teenage spinner.

The coach said senior players could make their way into the squad at the back end of the Super50 Cup if the Scorpions progress deep into the tournament.

Until then, significant responsibility is on out-of-favour West Indies Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood to help Campbell to guide the youngsters.

“Blackwood wants to get back into West Indies cricket. He’s in a good frame of mind and he’s enjoying his cricket, so I’m looking for good things from him,” Haynes said.

The Jamaican contingent is set to depart for Trinidad and Tobago on October 27.

Jamaica Scorpions, who last won the regional 50-over title in 2022, are set to open their 2024 account against Barbados Pride on October 30, while Trinidad and Tobago Red Force are the reigning champions.

— Sanjay Myers

SQUAD

John Campbell (captain)

Kirk McKenzie (vice-captain)

Odane McCatty

Carlos Brown

Jermaine Blackwood

Javelle Glenn

Romaine Morris (wicketkeeper)

Brad Barnes

Odean Smith

Jeavor Royal

Tamarie Redwood

Ojay Shields

Gordon Bryan

Marquino Mindley

RESERVES

Jordan Johnson

Peat Salmon

Daniel Beckford (wicketkeeper)

Andre A McCarthy