Smith enjoying competition in Scorpions squad

Grenadian wicketkeeper batsman Denis Smith was all smiles as he gathered with the rest of the Jamaica Scorpions squad as they jetted off yesterday to St Kitts to participate in the 46th edition of the Regional Super50 limited-overs competition starting tomorrow.

The 28-year-old Smith, who recently played for the Windward Islands Volcanoes franchise, is one of the two wicketkeepers in the Andre Coley-led Jamaica Scorpions squad.

Smith, who has played just five List ‘A’ games so far, is expected to get competition from Aldane Thomas for the gloves, however, the Grenadian is confident he will get the nod when they face Barbados on Thursday in their opening fixture.

“I am confident that I will play. We both have been batting well and keeping well, I have got some runs, so, too, did Aldane, but I just want to go out there and give it my all and everything will fall into place,” said Smith.

The diminutive right-hander, who has represented the Windward Island, at all youth levels, is still in awe at his selection to the Scorpions franchise.

Surprise call

“When I got the call, I was shocked as it really took me by surprise to be picked by the Scorpions. I was preparing and expecting to play for the Windwards after coming off a decent season last year, but I am happy to be a part of the Jamaica squad and I am looking forward to a good year,” he said.

Smith added that since arriving in Jamaica, Smith added that he has been working hard in practice, credits the influence of his uncle, Devon Smith, of the Windwards, who he could come up against later on in the tournament.

“I must give a lot of credit to my uncle, who has guided me along the way. He was the one that used to take me to cricket when I was younger. He made me meet a lot of the ‘international stars’ and it’s because of him why I am in the game today,” Smith shared.

The Grenadian was keen to point out the atmosphere in the Scorpions camp as he highlighted that it was different from what he was accustomed to.

“The vibe in the dressing room is different from back home in a good way. The warm-ups are different, and the Jamaican accent is very catchy; I am already getting used to it,” said Smith.

The right-hander has not set any individual target for this year’s Super50, but he is confident that once he gets the nod, the performances will come.

“I just want to play and get a start. Once I get a start, the runs will come and the confidence will grow,” said Smith.

The Jamaica Scorpions will play against defending champions Combined Campuses and Colleges, Leeward Islands, Barbados, and Canada in Group A of the ten-team tournament, which will run from November 6 to December 1.