Jermaine Lannaman, Star Writer

Devon 'Shotgun' Smith, the Windward Islands Volcanoes's premier batsman, has backed himself to come good against the Jamaica Franchise this weekend in the opening round of the new West Indies Cricket Board Professional League.

Smith, who has represented the West Indies in 33 Tests and 49 one-day internationals, has been in terrific form in recent weeks and finished as leading run scorer in the just-concluded Windward Islands Goodwill Championship.

He was also the third highest leading run scorer in the four-day tournament last season behind Jamaica's Jermaine Blackwood and Shacaya Thomas, respectively.

"Playing against Jamaica is always a challenge, but it is one I look forward to," said Smith ahead of today's encounter.

"Jamaica is a proud team, who doesn't like to lose in their own backyard. But I am in form, having scored most runs in the Windwards Championship last week, and come this first game, the aim is to continue."

The 33-year-old, who will spearhead his team's batting along with fellow out-of-favour West Indies batsmen, Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher, is also hoping to use this season to enhance his international return chances.

"Last season, I finished third in the batting, but I want to get back to my position in former years of being first," he pointed out.

"This is because I still hope to represent the West Indies in the future.

"I believe I am a much more mature batsman, who can assess conditions a lot better, including playing spinners, and this season I hope to show this," he added.

Smith presently boasts an average of 24.71 in Tests, and 24.62 in one-dayers.

Windwards squad: Liam Sebastian (captain), Devon Smith, Johnson Charles, Tyrone Theophile, Keddy Lesporis, Romiel Currency, Sunil Ambris, André Fletcher, Lindon James, Mervin Mathew, Nelon Pascal, Kenroy Peters and Alstan Bobb.

Jamaica squad: Tamar Lambert (captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood, Shacaya Thomas, André McCarthy, John Campbell, David Bernard Jr, Carlton Baugh Jr, Nikita Miller, Damion Jacobs, Keno Wallace, Marquino Mindley and Jason Dawes.