Thomas out, King in
Former West Indies Under-19 batsman Brandon King has been added to Jamaica Franchise's 13-man squad for their sixth round West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League Four-Day clash against Windward Islands Volcanoes at Arnos Vale, St Vincent.
The 20-year-old King, who represented the region at last year's International Cricket Council (ICC) Youth World Cup, replaces batsman Shacaya Thomas.
The latter, who played Jamaica's first four matches - but was dropped for the fifth-round encounter against Guyana Jaguars at Sabina Park last weekend - has been experiencing average returns.
fresh face needed
He made two and one in the season-opener against Windwards at Sabina Park, 59 away to Barbados Pride, two and 46 against Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel at Queen's Park and 20 and nine against Leeward Hurricanes, also at Sabina Park.
"We were outplayed by Guyana over the weekend, and the selectors felt that we needed a fresh face in the squad," said Jamaica captain, Tamar Lambert prior to the team's departure yesterday.
"From the start of the season, Shacaya has not been performing at his best, and after failing to grab the opportunity, King has been included.
"He is a very good, promising player and an attacking batsman, and when a team is going through a bad batting patch as we are, sometimes, you need someone who is positive-minded," Lambert said.
Jamaica, who went down to a 105-run defeat to Guyana at Sabina Park, were bowled out for 177 and 234 against Guyana, who made 314 and 202.
Jamaica, following three wins and a loss, are currently third in the points standings on 53 points after the completion of five of the tournament's 10 round of matches.
Guyana lead with 75 points ahead of defending champions Barbados Pride (60).
Jamaica Franchise squad: Tamar Lambert (captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood, Brandon King, Horace Miller, John Campbell, David Bernard Jr, Carlton Baugh Jr, Odean Brown, Damion Jacobs, Marquino Mindley, Gavan Brown and Jason Dawes.