ST JOHN’S, Antigua – As has been the case in each of the last three seasons, the longest rivalry in the game in the West Indies will again take centre stage in the eighth round the Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament.
Strong second-placed contenders Barbados Pride face current leaders and reigning champions Guyana Jaguars, starting today at Kensington Oval, under a unique set of playing conditions.
A day later, Leeward Islands Hurricanes will look to use the boost of confidence they gained from a win last weekend to try and topple Windward Islands Volcanoes at Warner Park.
At the same time, the round gets into full swing, when Trinidad & Tobago Red Force and Jamaica Scorpions meet at Queen’s Park Oval, trying to recover from demoralising defeats in their previous match.
This match between the Pride and the Jaguars could be the primary decider this season in the destination of the Headley/Weekes Trophy, symbol of R4Day supremacy.
A comfortable victory over the Volcanoes in the previous round have left the Pride 15.8 points adrift of the Jags, whose equally convincing win over the Red Force made them the first team to crack the 100-point ceiling this season.
These two teams have more or less been the two most consistent over the last three seasons, when the franchise format has come into play, and another absorbing contest between two sides that seem evenly balanced on paper.
The two teams will have to play smartly however, considering that the first three days will be contested consecutively before a rest day on Sunday to accommodate the first Twenty20 International between West Indies and Pakistan at the same venue, and returning to conclude the match on Monday, March 27.
The pitch will be protected from damage by a rubberised matting cover and neither side may want to face the prospect of batting last on it, so the toss could be very crucial.
Statistics too, bear out how competitive it could become between the two sides: In the last nine matches between them since the start of this decade, they have each won three times and the other three matches have ended in compelling draws.
The Pride however, should be cautious, considering that of the three Jaguars’ wins, two have been at the venue for this weekend’s match, so they should not expect an easy ride from the visitors.
Squads:
Barbados Pride (from): Kevin Stoute (captain), Anthony Alleyne, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Justin Greaves, Keon Harding, Shai Hope, Ashley Nurse, Jomel Warrican, Kenroy Williams
IN-Brathwaite, Harding, Williams, OUT-Jonathan Carter, Omar Phillips, Kemar Roach
Guyana Jaguars (from): Leon Johnson (captain), Devendra Bishoo, Anthony Bramble, Shivanrine Chanderpaul, Rajendra Chandrika, Assad Fudadin, Shimron Hetmyer, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Clinton Pestano, Raymon Reifer, Romario Shepherd, Vishaul Singh
IN-Chanderpaul, Pestano, OUT-Veerasammy Permaul, Keon Joseph
Umpires: Johnathan Blades, Patrick Gustard (Jamaica)
Match Referee: Mervyn Jones
Reserve Umpire: Troy Tudor