West Indian and Jamaican opener Chris Gayle (right), fresh off a triple century in the fourth and final Test against South Africa this week, was the centre of attention when the teams arrived at Norman Manley International Airport yesterday for the one-day series which starts this weekend. - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE WEST Indies and South Africa cricket teams arrived in the island yesterday for the first of two Digicel one-day matches at Sabina Park this weekend.
However, star batsman Brian Lara did not arrive with the host squad.
Team media liaison Imran Khan told journalists on the team's arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport that Lara was unable to come yesterday because he had personal business to conduct in Trinidad. He is scheduled to come today.
Coach Bennett King hopes the balance of this squad is better than the one they had in Australia for the tri-nation VB Series at the start of the year.
PRACTICE MATCH
"Pedro Collins is back and there are some other bowlers that are back," King said.
He said the VB Series showed that they could match up with most sides in the world.
Meanwhile, the South Africans, who refused to speak to press at the airport yesterday, will take on a Jamaica XI in a practice match at Chedwin Park today.
The 50-over-a-side contest, a warm-up for the South Africans before they tackle the West Indies in back-to-back one-dayers at Sabina Park on Saturday and Sunday, is expected to start at 9:30 a.m.
Although he is a part of the West Indies' squad, young Jamaican Xavier Marshall is down to play today.
JAMAICA'S REPRESENTATIVES
The Jamaica squad, from which the final XI will be chosen for today's game, includes six players who have represented the West Indies in either one-day internationals or Test matches, while two others have played first-class cricket.
Carlton Baugh, Jermaine Lawson, Jerome Taylor, Marlon Samuels are the players who have represented the West Indies at all levels, while Donovan Pagon has played two Tests and Xavier Marshall has a lone one-day international under his belt.
The squad is completed by spinners Bevon Brown and Odean Brown, batsmen Tyson Gordon and Gary Graham, all-rounders Alanzo Harris and Nicarlo McFarlane, along with fast bowler Jowayne Robinson.
