Top-order batsman Garth Garvey says the call-up to the Jamaica Scorpions cricket squad comes at the “right time” after a couple of seasons knocking on the door of the national selectors.
Garvey, who turns 27 on Sunday, is part of the 13-member contingent who were scheduled to depart the island yesterday for Guyana to face the champions Jaguars in the regional four-day opening match, slated to start Thursday.
“To get selected is always good but I have to thank God. Nothing happens before its time and I think this is the right time, so let’s see what happens during the season,” he told the Jamaica Observer.
“The selectors have talked to me over the years and they told me to continue doing what I’m doing,” added the hard-hitting Kingston CC batsman, who also bowls medium pace.
The former St Jago High student said he is over the moon with the opportunity afforded him, and is eager to perform for the Scorpions.
“I’m elated; it’s a good feeling to have the chance to represent your country. Playing for Jamaica is an honour, and anybody playing local cricket would like to get that [opportunity]. This is my first year at the regional level and I’m just looking to do my best, try not to pressure myself, and just to be the Garth Garvey that I know, and hopefully I can get in some good performances,” Garvey said.
The Scorpions Head Coach Robert Samuels said the current squad, which has a number of fringe players and newcomers in the absence of more experienced players, has the chance to test the depth of talent available.
“It’s a squad with new faces, but they have been around knocking on the door, and this is going to be a test for them to see if they have what it takes to survive at the first-class level and even go forward in terms of playing Test match cricket.
“If we can have the fringe players coming into the team and doing well, along with the players already there, then the future of Jamaica’s cricket looks very good,” Samuels, the former Jamaica and West Indies opening batsman, told the Observer.
The Scorpions’ second game of the season is away to Trinidad and Tobago Red Force next week, before they return home for round three in a day/night encounter versus Barbados Pride at Sabina Park.
Scorpions squad — Paul Palmer (captain), Trevon Griffith, Assad Fudadin, Brandon King, Garth Garvey, Fabian Allen, Romaine Morris (wicketkeeper), Derval Green, Damani Sewell, Dennis Bulli, Paul Harrison, Keno Wallace, Jason Dawes.