KINGSTON – Barbados will seek to break a protracted drought and deny Jamaica an unprecedented fifth successive regional first class cricket title when they meet in the final of the Regional Four-day Championship starting today.
The Jamaicans will start as firm favourites after romping through the competition unbeaten to finish on top of the preliminary standings with a maximum 72 points from six outings.
And with the familiarity of Sabina Park as an asset, the hosts will back themselves to emerge with a win and build on their outstanding success over the last four years.
Barbados will start as underdogs, especially after an erratic season in which they lost two matches and were also bowled out for 58 in an innings and had a 166-run loss to Guyana last month.
They will be without key players such as fast bowlers Kemar Roach and Fidel Edwards, along with opener Kraigg Brathwaite and captain Kirk Edwards, who are all with the West Indies Test squad.
Barbados will look to the seasoned players in batsman Dwayne Smith and fast bowler Tino Best in order to find their stride.
“We are without some players, but the reserves have fitted in quite nicely and the spirit is quite high within the team,” head coach Henderson Springer said. “It is a strong unit and our expectations are pretty high.”
Much will be required of left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn whose 36 wickets have led the Barbados attack.
Jonathan Carter has been the main run-scorer with 393 runs and will form the foundation of the batting. (CMC/HG)
