KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Barbados captain Edwards likes Barbados chances against champions said his side was geared up to face defending champions Jamaica in their second round, Regional Four-Day Championship clash at Sabina Park starting tomorrow.
The Barbados squad arrived here Tuesday confident of competing with the powerful hosts who are chasing their fifth consecutive first class title.
“We’re always looking forward to play Jamaica. We have a good relationship with Jamaica so it’s no different this time around,” the Jamaica Observer quoted Edwards as saying.
“Our cricket went through some phases like any other team goes through, so every year you come you’re looking to do something special.
“It’s not every time that it happens; you just have to keep working and this year is the same thing.”
Barbados, who drew a bye in the first round last week, will face a strong challenge from Jamaica who started the defence of their title in style by whipping Windward Islands by 81 runs inside three days.
Edwards, one of the latest West Indies batting recruits, will lead a squad that includes Surrey all-rounder Chris Jordan, pacer Tino Best and former captain Ryan Hinds.
Barbados, however, will be without Test fast bowler Fidel Edwards and the hard-hitting batsman Dwayne Smith both of whom are campaigning in the Bangladesh Premier League.
Despite the strength of the Jamaicans, Edwards backed his side to compete strongly over the four days.
“We have a well-prepared team. These guys have been working on their game over the three months or so; they’re fairly prepared. We have quite a few fellows who have been doing well, so we expect some good performances,” he said.
“We do fairly well against Jamaica. It’s usually a very competitive game and we’re really looking forward to it.”
