Scorpion rookies looking to sting in Super50

A wave of fresh pace-bowling talent is set to inject new energy into the Jamaica Scorpions as they are in Trinidad for the upcoming CG United Super50 Cup from November 19-29. Fast bowling all-rounder Andre Bailey and left-arm pacer Khari Campbell, both earning their first official call-ups, are poised to make their mark on the regional stage.

For Bailey, the selection is the culmination of years of perseverance. After representing the Combined Campuses and Colleges last season, his inclusion in the Scorpions' squad was sealed by a series of compelling performances in the recent practice matches.

It is a case of "finally", he said, having been around the national setup for quite some time.

"Well, it's a fantastic feeling because over the years I've been in and around the programme for a while, but I've never really seemed to make the final cut. So getting in the team this time around is definitely a good feeling," Bailey stated.

The determined all-rounder revealed that his successful summer was built on a foundation of dedicated, all-round improvement.

"Throughout the whole summer, I've basically been working on all three facets of my game, especially as it regards my bowling, and I'm definitely seeing myself making excellent strides from that."

He credited his breakthrough to a simple, yet demanding philosophy, one that he hopes will serve him well in the truncated format.

"It's basically hard work. You know, dedication, sticking to the task and perseverance in whatever you're doing. Sometimes in this world, things may happen that you can't control, but try to control what you can as much as possible," he said.

EXPERIENCE

Joining him is the promising Melbourne CC pacer Campbell, who is already building on the experience gained from a taste of Caribbean Premier League action with the St Lucia Kings this past season.

Campbell carried that momentum into the Scorpions' practice games, impressing the selectors with his sharp speed and a telling three-wicket haul in the third practice match.

The left-armer arrives with a clear, team-first mindset.

"I come here to do a job and to make the team better. The key is sticking to the team plans and just staying disciplined and putting in 100 per cent," he said.

Like Bailey, Campbell's ascent is no accident; it was the direct result of a purposeful offseason dedicated to technical refinement and fueled by ambition of making it onto the big stage.

"I did some work over the summer. I decided to focus solely on improving my game. My non-bowling arm, for one. I did some work with Keith Ingram from South Africa. I did some work with Robert Samuels on my length, and I did some work with Dennis Bulli and Audley Sanson at Melbourne."

The Jamaica Scorpions will begin their quest for the Super50 Cup title against the Guyana Harpy Eagles tomorrow.