Scorpions hunt revenge against Jaguars

The Jamaica Scorpions will seek to exact revenge on the table-topping Guyana Jaguars when the teams meet at Sabina Park from today to February 24 in the Cricket West Indies Professional Cricket League 4-Day competition.

After two consecutive wins in the competition, the Scorpions momentum was halted by the Jaguars two weeks ago. Scorpions coach Robert Haynes lamented a lapse in concentration by batsmen in their second innings for the loss, but says the team knows exactly what to do for a victory on home soil.

"I've seen improvements in the batting display, their attitude has also improved and there is still more to be done," Haynes said. "At the end of the day, we need to make at least 270 runs whenever we get to the crease if we are to be competitive."

His observation of seven left-handed batsmen in the Jaguars team resulted in the inclusion of off-spinner Akim Fraser in the squad, which is the only change from the Scorpions last outing. "With the unavailability of Rovman Powell and Nikita Miller, we had to include a player who can create problems for the seven left-handers in their team," he said.

Fraser says the Scorpions call-up is a dream come true.

RECOGNITION EARNED

"Growing up, I always wanted to represent the national team," he said. "I've been looking forward to this for a long time." The off-spinner's heroics in the 2018 Senior Cup final earned him recognition. He said his figures of eight for 95 against Melbourne CC in the final have continued to motivate him to play with great commitment.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars' captain, Leon Johnson, says the team's dedication to preparing themselves properly ahead of each game has allowed them to dominate. He said that their reliance on pace bowling has been a part of their winning formula.

"Our past couple of coaches have been pace bowlers," Johnson said. "We're always developing seamers and it works.

"The guys in the team know there's a lot of competition for places, so when anyone gets a chance, they put their all in because they know someone else is waiting to replace them."

The four-day encounter between the Scorpions and Jaguars starts at 10 a.m. each day.