BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The West Indies Under-19 Team departed from Barbados on Wednesday for their four-match series against Australia Under-19s in Dubai. The squad will play a four-day match and three one-dayers against the Aussies at the Global Cricket Academy. Head Coach, Roddy Estwick said the tour will be an opportunity to form the unit expected to represent the West Indies at the International Cricket Council’s Under-19 World Cup in Australia next year.
“We have a good team, a well-balanced team, and we believe we will do well against the Australians on this trip to Dubai. We have selected a group of young men who we believe will represent the West Indies well on the field and will be outstanding ambassadors off the field,” Estwick said.
The former Barbados seam bowler added: “This tour will serve as part of our preparations for the next World Cup in Australia in the middle of next year. The aim is to get as much exposure at the international level so the players will be fully aware of what is required.”
Estwick also looked at the make-up of the team and noted that all the players are capable of doing that job as required.
“We have two players in the team, Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell, who played in the World Cup last year in New Zealand and they both have important roles to play. We are focusing on the development of our players. This is a great opportunity for these young men to showcase their talents. I have spoken to them and they are all looking forward to the opportunities.”
He added: “It is an honour to represent the West Indies at any level. When you represent the West Indies you have to put your best foot forward and remember that you represent the people all across the Caribbean. This is what I will be telling the players. I want to make sure they know who they are representing and what their responsibilities are.”
West Indies Under-19 Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Anthony Alleyne, Ronsford Beaton, John Campbell, Brian Christmas, Kwame Crosse, Derone Davis, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Jerome Jones, Keiron Joseph, Steven Katwaroo, Amir Khan, Kyle Mayers, Donovan Nelson and Akeem Saunders.
Team Management:  Roddy Estwick (head coach), Courtney Browne (manager), Stuart Williams (Assistant Coach), Janel Springer (physiotherapist) and Ronald Rogers (fitness trainer).