JERMAINE LANNAMAN, STAR Writer

Captain Tamar Lambert has highlighted a lack of confidence, as well as young batsmen not adjusting efficiently to first-class cricket as the reasons behind Jamaica Franchise's dismal batting efforts in recent weeks.

The Jamaicans, once the undisputed kings of regional four-day cricket, are currently struggling at the foot of the six-team tournament with three wins, three loses and a draw.

This is with three rounds remaining in the six-team round-robin tournament.

The team, in their last three outings, have come out on the losing end.

lack of confidence

This includes back-to-back defeats at the hands of Guyana Jaguars and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, the latter of which took place yesterday.

Asked to score 357 to win, Jamaica were bowled out for 177, 179 runs shy of their target.

"I think it is a lack of confidence. A lot of us as batsmen, in the dressing room, has really been struggling all season," said Lambert.

"It's three seasons now that we have not been batting well, but if you notice, there are a lot of players who have not been playing first-class cricket for a lot of years.

"We also don't have a lot of senior batsmen in the team, with just myself really as a senior batter. So at the end of the day, you have to give and take with them.

"The disappointing thing (however) is that I don't think we are learning as quick as possible."

Jamaica are scheduled to play in their remaining fixtures the Windward Islands Volcanoes and Leeward Islands Hurricanes away, and defending champions Barbados Pride at home.