PCL: Guyana Jaguars face stiff test against strengthened Barbados Pride

Fit-again West Indies Test captain, Jason Holder, is one of seven Test players named in a full-strength 13-man squad for the high-profile, third-round clash in the Regional Four-Day Championship against four-time reigning champions, Guyana Jaguars, starting Friday (January 4).

The 27-year-old Holder is joined by opener Kraigg Brathwaite, batsman Roston Chase, wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich, seamers Kemar Roach and Miguel Cummins and left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican. Off-spinner Ashley Nurse, who is constant in the West Indies ODI team, is also in the squad.

Only opener Shayne Moseley, batsman Aaron Jones and Keon Harding lack international experience in the Pride line-up.

Cummins played the last of his 13 Tests last July, while left-hander Jonathan Carter has already played 28 ODIs and captain Shamarh Brooks has extensive experience leading West Indies A.

However, there is no Shai Hope, the stylish right-hander who shone brightest for West Indies in the limited-overs series against Bangladesh last month.

The inclusion of the international players should make for an intriguing contest between two teams with a strong perennial rivalry.

Jaguars are close to full strength with three of their Windies players returning. Batsman Chandrapaul Hemraj and all-rounders Sherfane Rutherford and Raymon Reifer have been named in the 13-man squad for the top-of-the table battle.

Six international players were expected to join the ranks, but, according to a correspondence from the Guyana Cricket Board, “Keemo Paul injured his finger during the last match in Bangladesh, while Devendra Bishoo was still in the USA at the time of selection and Shimron Hetmyer has requested to be rested.”

Pride lie second in the four-day standings on 22.6, behind Jaguars who have 37 following wins in their first two matches.

Pride Squad: Shamarh Brooks (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Keon Harding, Jason Holder, Aaron Jones, Shayne Moseley, Ashley Nurse, Kemar Roach and Jomel Warrican.

Jaguars Squad: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Leon Johnson (Captain), Vishaul Singh, Christopher Barnwell, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Veerasammy Permaul, Clinton Pestano, Keon Joseph and Gudakesh Motie.

Other round three matches pit hosts Jamaica Scorpions against Windward Volcanoes in a day/night clash at Sabina Park and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force against Leeward Hurricanes at the Brian Lara Stadium.