Jamaica Scorpions make gains despite Pride’s heavy scoring - But Haynes demands more sting in West Indies Cricket Championship match

On a day when the ball flew to all parts of Chedwin Park for much of the morning, the Jamaica Scorpions somehow ended the opening day of their West Indies Championship clash against the Barbados Pride with a spring in their step. Or at least, their coach did.

Barbados Pride posted a formidable 348, opting to bat first, with right-hander Kevin Wickham lording the innings with a majestic 153.

Reflecting on his knock, Wickham credited hard work ahead of the competition.

"My mindset was just to play straight," he said. "It was about getting in on this wicket and batting for long. Once I was there, I knew the runs would come. The pitch was tough, but I backed my game."

He got good support from Kyle Mayers, who made 64, Shamar Springer, 40, and Joshua Bishop, 37.

For Jamaica, pacer Marquino Mindley with 4-32 and off-spinner Peat Salmon 4-104 shared the spoils.

But the headline numbers don't tell the full story. At stumps, the Scorpions replied with a steady 17 without loss, thanks to Kirk McKenzie, eight and captain John Campbell, on three.

According to head coach Robert Haynes, his side is already ahead on points, even if not on pride.

"It's funny because they would have gotten two batting points, and we got 10 wickets, which we'd have gotten three points," Haynes said after play. "So overall, right now we are in front."

That mathematical advantage, however, came with a sharp critique of his bowling attack, which started sprightly but faded as the contest wore on.

"Honestly, it's a flat track. A few balls kept low, but I think that we bowled a little bit wayward today. We weren't as consistent as we wanted to be," Haynes admitted.

"That said, Mindley was exceptional. He bowled straight, wicket to wicket, and he got the reward."

Salmon also earned a mention, albeit a measured one.

"Pete Salmon bowled a good spell, and he could have done better. But overall, it wasn't the best bowling performance."

At 17 without loss after six overs, Haynes acknowledged the platform is there.

"It's a good start. We still have to go out there and bat."

Notably absent from the Scorpions' XI was left-arm spinner Jeavor Royal, a hometown favourite at Chedwin Park.

When asked about the decision to leave out the club's own player, Haynes pointed to history and match-ups.

"The thinking was that with Barbados, we have always done well over the years with off spinners against them. Brad Barnes last year got six wickets against them in Barbados. Pete has gotten wickets before against them," Haynes explained.

"On this surface, we just felt that the off-spinners would have done a lot better. Abhijai Mansingh didn't start badly, but unfortunately, he got a few blows. It's all about the game."

With three days left, the Scorpions trail by 331 runs, but have all 10 wickets in hand.

Haynes' message was simple: "It's just for us to come back, get these runs, and go back out there and try to bowl out Barbados."