ONE FOR THE FUTURE
Scorpions chief selector says teenager Redwood could become one of world’s best spinners
CHAIRMAN of Selectors Delroy Morgan says Jamaican teenage spin bowler Tamarie Redwood has the potential to be among the best in the world.
The talented Excelsior High schoolboy was named in the 14-man Jamaica Scorpions squad for the Regional Super50 cricket tournament in Trinidad and Tobago from October 29 to November 23.
The 18-year-old leg spinner, who has impressed for Jamaica at the regional youth level, has international experience. He represented West Indies Under-19s on a tour to Sri Lanka in late 2023, and was a reserve member of the regional side for the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa early this year.
“He is going to be one of the top leg spinners, to me, in the country — and might be in the world as well,” Morgan said during a press conference hosted by Jamaica Cricket Association at Sabina Park on Tuesday.
“He is one [player] that the team is looking at keenly, so once he can get it right we shouldn’t have any problem,” he added.
The lead selector said Redwood’s standard leg break, in addition to variations including the googly — which spins back into the right-hand batsman — make him a formidable weapon for the team.
“[He is] a young and witty leg spinner; he has that ability to get wickets. He might go for some runs like any leg spinner… but he’s one for the future, and he’s one that’s coming on leaps and bounds.
“He had a good [Regional] Under-19 tournament this year and he had a good one last year as well. We’re looking forward to him getting some wickets for us, once he plays, and [he will] do the country proud,” Morgan, a stylish, right-handed, opening batsman for Jamaica between the 1980s and 90s, noted.
Team captain and premier batsman John Campbell, who has played for the senior West Indies team in all three formats, said Redwood has looked the part in practice.
“I just think once he’s confident he’ll [serve] us really well. I’ve seen him in the trial games, and as long as he’s confident he’ll aid our performances,” the left-handed opener opined.
“We haven’t had much practice sessions in the nets because of the [rainy] weather but I played against him in a [preparation] game and I was impressed,” said Campbell.
The Robert Haynes-coached Jamaica team 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. Trinidad and Tobago Red Force are the reigning champions.
— Sanjay Myers
