ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Leeward Islands Hurricanes have elevated West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph to captain for the West Indies Super50 Cup, starting Tuesday in Trinidad.
Joseph replaces long-standing wicketkeeper-batsman Jahmar Hamilton in the position, and he was given a huge vote of confidence in a media release from the Hurricanes that indicated the 26-year-old Antiguan has “consistently demonstrated his prowess on the field”.
“His exceptional bowling skills and strategic acumen make him the perfect choice to lead the team in the white ball format,” the media release stated. “The Leeward Islands Cricket Board has full confidence in his ability to inspire and guide the team to success.”
Joseph will have burly off-spin bowling all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall as his deputy for the tournament, and the Hurricanes will aim to improve on the their performance last year, when they narrowly missed out on the semi-finals.
All but four members of the squad are returning from last year, with Joseph, fellow West Indies pacer Oshane Thomas, Barbadian all-rounder Justin Greaves, and teenaged West Indies Under-19 wicketkeeper-batsman Jewel Andrew giving the side an edge.
Joseph said he was excited about the opportunity to lead the Hurricanes, and he looked forward to forming a lethal attack with the chunky Thomas.
“it’s good to have both of us in the same team because we can back each other up, and even in the middle overs, we can follow up,” he said. “It’s always good to have someone that can help you share the workload when it comes to bowling fast and being aggressive.”
Hurricanes finished third in their group last year, but they failed to qualify for the semi-finals ahead of Barbados Pride because of an inferior net run rate.
They open this year’s tournament against defending champions Jamaica Scorpions in a day-night contest on the second match day of the tournament next Wednesday at the Brian Lara Cricket Ground.
Squad:
Alzarri Joseph (captain), Rahkeem Cornwall (vice-captain), Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Terrence Warde, Daniel Doram, Karima Gore, Justin Greaves, Jahmar Hamilton, Kofi James, Jeremiah Louis, Kieran Powell, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.