KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC):
The historic Caribbean rivalry between Barbados and Jamaica is set for its latest chapter when the West Indies Championship bowls off in Jamaica on April 12.
For Barbados Pride, the memory of 2025 remains raw. A agonising near-miss by just 5.4 points separating them from the title despite a thrilling final-day victory over the Leeward Islands at Warner Park, has sharpened their hunger.
The Pride enter the 2026 campaign determined to reclaim regional supremacy when the Championship concludes on May 20.
Their recent record against Jamaica in first-class cricket is formidable. Over the past decade, Barbados have gone unbeaten against their archrivals, securing eight victories, including a commanding nine-wicket triumph at Kensington Oval last season.
Yet. captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who struck a superb 142 in his last regional outing at Sabina Park, refuses to entertain complacency.
“Jamaica are always a competitive team at home. The way they play cricket, you always enjoy playing against them,” Brathwaite said. “However, as I always say, you cannot take any team for granted. They are a very good team, but we must come good as a unit, and the guys are excited to do that against Jamaica.”
The Pride’s trial matches have offered encouragement, with Shian Brathwaite and Kevin Wickham posting centuries and several other batters crossing 50. Brathwaite, who has 228 first-class matches to his name, is urging his side to remain grounded.
“Our coaches have really done the groundwork with the squad to make things a little easier for us in our preparation,” he added. “Our programme and trial matches provided a great opportunity to look at all the players who could have an impact at different stages of the season.”
For Jamaica Scorpions captain John Campbell, the chance to topple the powerful visitors on home soil is an opportunity to relish. History may be daunting, but hope remains.
“The guys have put in a high volume of work ahead of the season, not just training, but training with intent since the Super 50 tournament,” Campbell said. “Everybody is trying to improve their own game, especially the technical aspects, and together as a group that will serve us well.”
Campbell, who finished 2025 as the Scorpions’ leading run-scorer with over 500 runs, announced his readiness with a double century in a trial match. He also witnessed other encouraging performances, with centuries from Peat Salmon, Abhijai Mansingh and Carlos Brown.
“We’ve had a rivalry over the years. We are in a really good place right now as a group, with several practice matches under our belts and players putting up their hands and showing maturity with solid contributions,” Campbell said.
One area of particular concern for Jamaica has been their vulnerability to spin. In previous meetings, the Scorpions lost 23 of their 40 wickets to Barbados’ slow bowlers, a problem Campbell is determined to address.
“Over the years, we have lost plenty of wickets to spinners,” he admitted. “If we can eliminate those types of dismissals to the Barbadian spinners, then we will be in a good space to compete and do well in the bilateral series.”
SQUADS
Jamaica Scorpions: John Campbell (captain), Brad Barnes, Carlos Brown, Javelle Glenn, Brandon King, Abhijai Mansingh, Kirk McKenzie, Marquino Mindley, Romaine Morris, Jeavor Royal, Peat Salmon, Ojay Shields, Odean Smith.
Barbados Pride: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Joshua Bishop, Jediah Blades, Leniko Boucher, Shian Brathwaite, Jonathan Drakes, Johann Layne, Kyle Mayers, Jair McAllister, Shayne Moseley, Shamar Springer, Jomel Warrican, Kevin Wickham.
