The Possible Jamaica 16

Following the results of the three four-day Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) practice matches, the Jamaica selectors headed by Ruddy Williams should not find it too hard to select their 16-man squad for the regional tournament.

Only two centuries, and seven half centuries have been recorded by batsmen so far in the three matches. This means that both Brenton Parchment (200) and Donovan Pagon (190) looks to be sure picks along with the captain Robert Samuels and Leon Garrick (two half centuries), one of which was unbeaten.

With the absence of Marlon Samuels, Ricardo Powell, Wavel Hinds and Chris Gayle, Maurice Kepple, who scored two half centuries, one in the second match where only one half century was scored, should be another sure pick. That makes it five out of seven batsmen.

Based on his record in last year's tournament before he picked up an injury, Mario Ventura, despite not making much runs should hold on to the number six spot ahead of Tamar who will be named as the seventh batsmen in the sixteen.

Another batsman, Jamaica Under-19 captain Shawn Findlay could consider himself as unlucky, as there will be no space for a eighth batsmen.

Despite only one bowler from Jamaica on the West Indies World Cup team, this will be where the Jamaica selectors will have the most problems.

Pacers Daren Powell and Audley Sanson, off-spinner Nehemiah Perry along with a fit Franklyn Rose and Gareth Breese will be sure picks, that leaves impressive leg-spinner Odean Brown, left-arm spinners Phillip Keating who bowled extremely well in all matches and Ryan Cunningham to fight for the other bowling spot when the final practice begins on Thursday at Sabina Park.

Unfortunately, one of the country's best fast bowler may not be among the sixteen when the selectors meet on Sunday to pick the squad. Eighteen-year-old pacer Jerome Taylor is the only bowler to take five wickets in an innings at all three matches so far. On a Melbourne Oval pitch, which provided good bounce, for stroke play, the young fast bowler picked up 5-53 from 20.4 overs

Daren Powell played in that match and was wicket-less in 23 overs which went for 76 runs. If the selectors are thinking Taylor, who was a part of the West Indies fast bowing clinic should get in ahead of 28-year-old Sanson or as the fourth pacer.

However, if not, the West Indies 'B' team selectors should use him in their Under-23 squad.

On the wicketkeeper, Jamaica has three very good wicketkeepers in Matthew Sinclair, Keith Hibbert and Carlton Baugh Jr, who many cricket experts believes should take over from Hibbert this season.

The possible sixteen:

Brenton Parchment
Leon Garrick
Donovan Pagon
Maurice Kepple
Robert Samuels
Mario Ventura
Tamar Lambert
Keith Hibbert
Matthew Sinclair
Gareth Breese
Nehemiah Perry
Daren Powell
Frankyln Rose
Audley Sanson
Ryan Cunningham
David Bernard