Jamaica U15s crumble as T&T dominate Rising Stars series

The reality is setting in for Jamaica’s Under-15 cricketers.

After a humbling 39-run defeat to Trinidad and Tobago in the third match of their five-match CWI Rising Stars bilateral series at the Jamaica Broilers ground on Thursday, head coach Robert Samuels didn’t mince words. His team is in trouble.

Chasing a modest target of 87 after restricting T&T to 86 all out, Jamaica collapsed spectacularly, bowled out for just 47.

The architect of the destruction was Trinidad leg-spinner Arnaldo Premchand, who produced staggering figures of seven wickets for six runs from 8.5 overs.

“The scorecard will tell you that it wasn’t an easy pitch,” Samuels said after the match. My disappointment, though, is that about four or five of my players got long hops and half-volleys and got out. They need to go out there and express themselves.”

Trinidad and Tobago’s total of 86 was built on the back of a disciplined bowling effort from Jamaica.

Fast bowler Raheim Livingston impressed with four for 25, while off-spinner Rajae McGeachy chipped in with three wickets. For long periods, Jamaica’s bowlers gave their side a fighting chance.

TEAM’S WEAKNESS

However, the batting unit did not show up, and Samuels was adamant that his young charges needed to execute all three facets of the game.

“Cricket is about bowling, fielding, and batting. We have made progress in restricting them, and we still thought they got 20 runs too much, but we did well in the field. The batting just needs to come to the party.”

It hasn’t, and the series situation is now dire. The second match was washed out, meaning Trinidad effectively hold a 2-0 lead with two matches remaining.

“We have two more games to go,” Samuels said. “I’m hoping the boys can turn it around. At least get two wins under their belt and draw the series.”

When pressed on the poor decision-making from his young batters, Samuels urged perspective while acknowledging the gap between the two sides.

“They are 14 and 15 years old. We still have to remember that.”

But when it was pointed out that Trinidad’s players are the same age, the coach conceded a harder truth.

“If you look at the Trinidadian team, they look like a well-prepared team. Very disciplined in their bowling and fielding,” Samuels admitted. “This is the second time I am seeing them play cricket. That will tell you a lot about the preparation. It’s something we need to fix moving forward.”

With two matches left at Boys’ Town and Melbourne Oval, Jamaica’s youngsters face a reckoning. The talent, Samuels insists, is there. But time is running out.

“They can play, they just need to go out there and play to their ability.”