The West Indies Under-19 team is set to open its 2022 World Cup campaign against Australia today at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.
Both sides have not had the best of starts in their warm-up matches after big losses to one of the tournament favourites, India Under-19. The hosts have also lost to South Africa Under-19.
Despite the losses, skipper, Ackeem Auguste is still confident in his team and is eager to make West Indies proud by adding another under-19 title to their trophies.
During an interview yesterday, the left-hander said, “I think we are fairly confident, we’ve prepared very well as a unit and did our own personal training.
I think going into the game it is important that we stick to the basics for as long as possible and just enjoy the game.”
Auguste noted that it has been a challenge to get their preparations to its crowning but the side has made the most of all opportunities presented.
The Trinidadian added, “I think the comradery among the boys is very good, I think we are gelling well as a unit and I think we are very confident.”
West Indies benefited from four youth One Day Internationals against the South Africa Under-19 team which ended in a 2-2 draw in addition to their two warm-up matches.
Auguste himself enters the first official match on the heels of a fine half-century as well as Guyanese opener, Matthew Nandu. Carlon Bowen-Tuckett has also got among the runs.
Johaan Layne and McKenny Clarke have both enjoyed fairly decent outings with the ball as well.
Meanwhile, in the Australian set up, skipper Cooper Connolly has already produced a masterful century at Providence and would be keen to replicate that once again and give his side a winning start.
He said, “I think as a team we are shaping up quite well. [The India defeat] was a reality check for us against one of the strongest sides, maybe the favourite. But our team is checking out really well and I feel like we’re in good shape for the first game.
“We can’t start off really easy, we’ve got to beat the West Indies and come out with a strong mindset. Hopefully we can knock them over,” he said.
Connolly comes with a wealth of experience, having played two years ago when his side went to the quarter-finals in that edition of the competition.
“From the last World Cup, the aim was to make this. I looked forward to the opportunity that I might play in two, and then another thing was to get the captaincy. That’s unbelievable, I’m so proud of myself and mum and dad back home are really proud so I’m ready to go and lead my country”, the Australian captain said.
Connolly contended, “I feel like we’re pretty strong in all areas, but our batting and spin bowling is going to be pretty dominant for us and I feel like our pace can take early wickets up front.”
