Gayle, Samuels, Marshall lead trials

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Chris Gayle and the top brass of Jamaica's cricketers will intensify their preparations for next month's West Indies Cricket Board President's Cup one-day competition when they compete in the first of four trial matches at Sabina Park.

The match, which is slated to get under way today, is expected to see Gayle leading one of the teams and, potentially, Lambert the other, as all 24 members of the trial squad seek to impress the country's national selectors.

Meanwhile, the national selection committee is led by ad hoc chairman Ruddy Williams, and comprises administrator Ephraim McLeod and coach Junior Bennett.

The team's captain, whenever selected, will also join the committee.

"It's an opportunity for the players to show what they have, and what they have to contribute should they get selected," said Bennett.

Batsmen

Among those who will be on show, in addition to Gayle and Lambert, will be top and middle-order batsmen Xavier Marshall, Brendan Nash, Wavell Hinds, Marlon Samuels, Danza Hyatt and Donovan Pagon.

The bowling will be led by spinners Nikita Miller, Odean Brown and Bevon Brown, and pacers Andrew Richardson, Jason Dawes, and Krishmar Santokie.

The squad also boasts a couple of new and returning players in batsman Donovan Sinclair, pacer Sheldon Cotterel, and spinner David Powell.

The President's Cup will be held across three venues, Sabina Park, Chedwin Park and the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium.

SQUAD: Christopher Gayle, Tamar Lambert, Xavier Marshall, Brenton Parchment, Danza Hyatt, Donovan Pagon, Marlon Samuels, Wavell Hinds, Brendan Nash, Jermaine Blackwood, David Bernard Jr, Donovan Sinclair, Horace Miller, Carlton Baugh Jr, Bevon Brown, Nikita Miller, Odean Brown, Andrew Richardson, Stephan Patterson, Jason Dawes, Sheldon Cotterell, Andre Russell, Krishmar Santokie, David Powell.