Corke buoyed by balanced Jamaica U-19 squad

Jamaica's coach Terrence Corke is mindful that his players are short on preparation heading to St Vincent and the Grenadines for the Rising Stars Under-19 Championship, but still likes their chances because of the talent selected.

Corke says players such as captain Brian Barnes, Steven Wedderburn, Jordan Johnson, Deshaun James and Kevaughndre Virgo are proven match winners. He opines that despite a third-place finish at the last Championship, the Jamaicans are expected to put up a sterner fight for both the 50-over white-ball tournament and the three-day red-ball version.

"This squad is one of the best-assembled squad that we have had in a few years. I am not worried about their skill set. I am only worried slightly about what happens from the shoulders up. They are good players, and the main thing is to get them fit. Once we get them fit, the sky is the limit," Corke said.

With West Indies under-19 set to tour Sri Lanka in August, Cricket West Indies brought forward the regional under-19 Championship from August to July. Corke mentioned that the decision hampered preparations, with several players sitting external exams.

Corke said that, despite the setback, he expects the players to represent well against their regional counterparts.

"I look at cricket as a business deal. Batting sets up the deal, and bowling and fielding close the deal. If we can win in the field, we will do something good," he stated.

The tournament is set to get under way on Tuesday, with the white ball limited-overs tournament bowling off the month-long Championship.

"I would love to play the red-ball competition first because we were preparing for that first, and it is easier to transition from a three-day mode to the fast-paced limited-overs mode," added Corke.

Corke and manager Gibbs Williams are expected to leave the island Friday for Barbados, where they will have a two-day camp before moving on to St Vincent.

Jamaica under-19 squad: Brian Barnes (captain), Steven Wedderburn, Jordan Johnson, Marlon Powell, Justin Beckford, Michael Clarke, Kevaughndre Virgo, Reon Edwards, Nashane Meade, Deshawn James, Tamarie Redwood, Alex Hinds, Adrian Weir and Trevaun Williams.