Super50 could be turning point - Gayle

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Recently reappointed captain of Jamaica's one-day team, Chris Gayle, says the team will be going all out to win the upcoming West Indies Super50 Tournament, as this could be a catalyst for re-engagement between the Jamaica Cricket Association and the local business fraternity.

The tournament, which will be held in Guyana October 19-29, will see Jamaica, along with Trinidad and Tobago, starting as favourites, as they try to dethrone last year's joint winners, the Leeward Islands and Barbados.

"It would be a good turning point for cricket in Jamaica, especially as it relates to bringing sponsors on board," said Gayle, shortly after the team's final practice session at Sabina Park yesterday.

"It (winning) would also showcase to Jamaicans some of the up-and-coming players we have in the country, who in the near future could be cornerstones of a revival in fortunes of West Indies cricket," he added.

Struggled

The team, which will depart the country on Monday, sees Gayle returning as captain after doing so last season when the tournament was held here in Jamaica.

It also includes four-day captain Tamar Lambert, who struggled to get runs during last season's event, and two uncapped players, in 19-year-old batting all-rounder Jermaine Blackwood, and 20-year-old big-hitting sensation Kenar Lewis.

"It's a pretty good and balanced team, with the youngsters Lewis and Blackwood looking particularly good in training," said Gayle.

In addition to Gayle and Lambert, those who are expected to play lead roles in the batting department are Xavier Marshall, Shawn Findlay and Chadwick Walton; while the bowling is expected to revolve around spin twins Nikita Miller and Odean Brown, and fast bowlers Krishmar Santokie and Jerome Taylor.

The team is also expected to be strengthened towards the middle of the tournament with the return of Marlon Samuels and Danza Hyatt, who are currently on West Indies duties.

Jamaica last won the regional one-day title four seasons ago.