Fitzroy Prendergast, Staff Reporter
THREE newcomers were yesterday included in Jamaica's 16-man Busta Cup squad which begins the defence of its regional title on January 5.
The current West Indies players, plus Laurie Williams and Ricardo Powell who will join the regional team for the one-day series in Australia, will join the team when available.
Pacer Darren Powell, allrounder Bevon Brown and batsman Orlando Baker are all new to the senior team.
Powell, who plays for Kensington did well in three trial games, especially in the final match which ended at Sabina Park yesterday. He troubled all the batsmen with his pace and aggressive bowling and picked up four for 26.
The 22-year-old who represented St. Elizabeth Technical in the Headley Cup is hoping for greater things in the regional competition.
"It's my first pick at the national level and I am happy. I feel very fit, I just need to work a bit on my control and go out there and do the job, " said Powell.
Brown, who plays for St. Catherine Cricket Club batted and bowled well throughout the trials.
The 23-year-old former St. Catherine High cricketer top scored in the final trial match with 35 and claimed no less than 15 wickets in all three trials.
"It's really a good feeling to be selected in the 16," said Brown. "I am just hoping that I will be able to make it in the final 11. I really believe I deserve a pick based on my performance in the trials and I will just try and give my best," he said.
Baker, a former Holmwood Technical player who represented Jamaica at the Under-19 level is delighted to have finally made the transition to the senior level.
"I am glad to be in. I tried my best at the trials and I will do the same for Jamaica, if I am given a chance to play."
Yesterday, Robert Samuels' XI, resuming on 106 for six from Thursday (no play was possible on Friday because of persistent rain) in reply to Perry's XI first innings score of 91, were bowled out for 124, with Brown making 35 and Denville McKenzie scoring 11, against Powell 4-26 and Nehemiah Perry 3-15.
In reply Perry's XI were bowled out for 137 as only Christopher Gayle (18), Orlando Baker (14) Laurie Williams (14) and Perry (17) reached double figures against Ryan Cunningham 4-30, Audley Sanson 2-14 and Brown 2-25.
The squad: Robert Samuels (captain), Christopher Gayle, Brenton Parchment, Leon Garrick, Wayne Cuff, Gareth Breese, Keith Hibbert, Matthew Sinclair, Nehemiah Perry, Bevon Brown, Ryan Cunningham, Franklyn Rose, Denville McKenzie, Audley Sanson, Orlando Baker and Darren Powell.
Lindel Wright is the manager of the team and Robert Haynes the coach.
