I was very pleased when I saw young Windies Under – 19 fast bowler Jayden Seales’ name in the West Indies touring party for their test assignment against New Zealand in the coming weeks.
I cannot imagine anyone being opposed to this move; Seales, although he has not played a list ‘A’ or a first-class match, is certainly a prospect for the future.
The 19-year-old fast bowler, during the 2020 ICC Under – 19 World Cup in South Africa, took 10 wickets.
He was subsequently identified by commentators Ian Bishop and Tom Moody as one of six players from that World Cup who could go on to lead successful international careers.
Further down the timeline, the young Trinidadian made his presence felt and caught the selectors’ eyes during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for eventual winners Trinbago Knight Riders. He took eight wickets from six outings at an economy of 11 runs per over.
It is easy to understand why the convenor of selectors, Roger Harper, the former West Indies all-rounder and perhaps the hierarchy of Cricket West Indies (CWI) are keen on fast-tracking Seales’ development. The board is constantly looking for the next West Indian legend and let’s not forget that West Indies success during the glory days, was practically founded on the backs of Sir Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Colin Croft, Wayne Daniel, Bishop, Michael Holding, Courtney Walsh and Sir Curtly Ambrose etc.
And so Seales’ inclusion is justified and a tour of New Zealand is perfect for him at this juncture. Let us hope it is not just a luxury outing and that he is encouraged to be a keen observer. He should be bold enough to approach the likes of Tim Southee and Trent Boult for advice.
With that said, Harper and company must also understand the value of breeding quality spin bowlers as well. Yes, we are a region biased towards fast bowlers but the opportunity to harness a long-term spin bowling talent must be a foremost priority as well and Harper – a Guyanese spin bowling legend – surely knows this.
We have not had a quality spinner in ages but a few impressed in spurts.
It is for that reason I believe emphasis should be placed on giving Guyanese spinners Ashmead Nedd and Kevin Sinclar the same experience as Seales, should the West Indies tour the subcontinent anytime in the near future.
Nedd, a 19-year old crafty left-arm spinner, in my mind, has shown more promise than any young Caribbean bowler in the last 12 months. He was the leading West Indian bowler during the 2020 ICC Under – 19 Wold Cup, taking 11 wickets – one more than Seales – and his economy rate of 3.5 was right up there with the best of the lot.
His impact was felt beyond the youth level even before the youth World Cup when he snapped up 11 wickets at a measly economy rate of 3.2 for winners the West Indies Emerging Players team during the last Regional Super50. Surely, there are a few things he needs to work on, such as his fitness and batting, however, anyone who would have seen him bowl, would agree that his pedigree is worth investing in.
And it is important to note that he has been plying his trade right before Harper’s eyes throughout his career.
Sinclair, on the other hand, is slightly different. He is a steady off-spinner who operates with the new ball and gives the impression that he can manufacture the Samuel Badree effect if he is guided thus I am surprised he was not included in the West Indies T20 squad to tour New Zealand. That could have been a noteworthy experience for him.
The 20-year old was the most economical bowler during the last Regional Super-5o tournament, operating at an economy of 2.8. Nedd and Sinclair have the numbers to justify being included in any future Windies development tour. What say you, Mr. Convenor?
(Sports Editor’s note: Royston Alkins is a former national U19 cricketer.)
