Kingston, Jamaica - Melbourne and Jamaica middle-order batsman, Andre McCarthy, is expressing confidence that his team will defend their Jamaica Cricket Association 50 Overs title.
The tournament, set to get under way tomorrow, will see Melbourne, who defeated Westmoreland for the title last year, looking to stave off the challenge of 22 other teams this time around.
"When it comes to one-day cricket in Jamaica, we rule, and this is evident in the number of titles we have won over the years," said McCarthy.
"If you look at it we have won about 13 times, with the next best team winning about four or three.
"When it comes to this format, we know how to get results, and I expect no difference this year," he added.
National Opener
Melbourne, commonly referred to as the Kangaroos, are set to enter the tournament with sidelined West Indies wicketkeeper, Carlton Baugh Jr, McCarthy, and national opener, Jon Ross Campbell, leading their batting charge.
As for their bowling, which according to McCarthy should be their weak point this year, much will be relied on recent national leg-spinning recruit, Damion Jacobs.
Regular captain and West Indies spinner, Nikita Miller recently left the island to join up with the West Indies 'A' team, in preparation for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, and as such could miss the season.
The team will also be without left-arm spinner Christopher Lamont, due to travel overseas, and off-spin all-rounder Yannick Elliott, who is away playing League cricket in England.
Melbourne has been drawn in corporate area Zone A alongside Kensington, Lucas, Boys Town, Kingston and St Thomas.
They will open their account against St Thomas at Good Year Oval.
The zones other match-ups will see Kensington and neighbours Lucas squaring off at Kensington Park, and Kingston travelling to Collie Smith Drive to take on Boys Town.
First Published In The Jamaica Star.
