ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Three veterans from last year’s Under-19 World Cup have been named in a 15-member West Indies Under-19 squad to tour Sri Lanka later this month.
Left-hander Jordan Johnson, who scored heavily in the recent Regional Under-19 Championship in St Vincent, has been joined by fast bowler Isai Thorne, and all-rounder Nathan Edward as the returning players.
Batsman Stephan Pascal and left-arm spinner Nathan Sealy have been appointed co-captains of the side which will play three 50-over matches and two four-day fixtures against Sri Lanka Under-19s at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.
“This is a very important tour to Sri Lanka for the development of this group of young cricketers,” said lead selector, Robert Samuels.
“We have some excellent players in the squad who did very well in the recent West Indies Rising Stars Under-19s Championships in St. Vincent, and we believe they will continue to grow and develop on this upcoming tour.”
He continued: “This is an integral part of the preparations for next year’s ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup which will also be played in Sri Lanka. The players will get a first-hand look at the conditions and become acclimatized.
“We are also very happy that we will have the chance to play two four-day matches. We see the red ball format as very important and vital to the development of our young players. We have not played a Youth Test in a long while and so this is a welcome return to the tour itinerary.”
West Indies struggled at last year’s Under-19 World Cup in the Caribbean, missing out on the Super League second stage after finishing third in their group.
Next year’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup will be played in Sri Lanka.
SQUAD – Stephan Pascal (co-captain), Nathan Sealy (co-captain), Jewel Andrew, Mavendra Dindyal, Joshua Dorne, Nathan Edward, Tarrique Edward, Reon Edwards, Deshawn James, Jordan Johnson, Devonie Joseph, Tamarie Redwood, Isai Thorne, Steve Wedderburn, Adrian Weir
Management – Rohan Nurse (head coach), Rohan Clarke (assistant coach), Nick Wilton (assistant coach), Gibbs Williams (team manager)