Campbell vows to lead from the front

Jamaica Scorpions captain John Campbell said he is looking to lead from the front and be consistent in his performances when the regional Super50 Cup season gets under way on October 30 against Barbados in Trinidad and Tobago.

Campbell, who spent almost two years out of the game serving a suspension for an anti-doping rule violation, revealed also that he is prepared for any public backlash that may come his way.

"As an opener. I definitely have to lead from the front with the bat firstly. For any team, getting off to a good start will aid the team in good performances and that's what I am looking to do, lead from the front with the bat and I am sure the guys will follow," he said.

Campbell had to endure 22 months out of the sport after his violation of the World Anti-Doping Association's (WADA) whereabouts rule, and he is prepared for any negative repercussions that might occur as a result.

"As an athlete you have to expect those kinds of pushbacks. You will get that whether you are performing well or not. You can't listen to everybody. You know you have to take constructive criticism. But you have to filter it and take information selectively," he stated at a press conference yesterday to name the squad for the Super50 Cup.

After being two years out of the game, Campbell was expected to show match rust but he returned from suspension with a bang, scoring a century in his first trial match and following that up with a knock of 70 in a rain-affected match.

The 31-year-old firmly believes they have a well balanced squad and expects much from himself and his teammates for the tournament, which runs from October 29 to November 23.

"I have been batting pretty well and the other fellows as well. They have been putting up scores in the trial games. It's a good bunch of guys so I am really looking forward to the tournament," he said.

Meanwhile, Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) chairman of selectors, Delroy Morgan, said Campbell was the natural choice when they examined the possible candidates for captain.

"We looked at some of the persons who were captains in the trial games but with a John Campbell back, it wasn't all that hard (to name him as captain). He has been the captain before, and once his head space is where it is supposed to be, we shouldn't have any problem," Morgan said.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Scorpions squad: John Campbell (captain), Kirk McKenzie (vice-captain), Odane McCatty, Carlos Brown, Jermaine Blackwood, Javelle Glenn, Romaine Morris (WK), Brad Barnes, Odean Smith, Jeavor Royal, Tamarie Redwood, Ojay Shields, Gordon Bryan, Marquino Mindley

Reserves: Jordan Johnson, Peat Salmon, Daniel Beckford, Andre A. McCarthy.