ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The Leewards have made three changes ahead of the WICB Regional Four-Day tournament set to commence early March.
Two Antiguans, Rahkeem ‘Jimbo’ Cornwall and Justin Athanaze, along with Montserratian Lionel Baker, have been dropped from the squad.They have paved the way for Nevisian all-rounder Tonito Willett, top-order batsman Lyndell Richardson of Anguilla and 19-year-old Kittitian batsman Akeem Saunders.
Coach Ridley Jacobs hopes the players can strengthen the team’s batting as they seek to improve on their dismal performances in the NAGICO Super50.
“We are hoping that the players can be in St Kitts a week before the actual tournament starts so that we can do some stuff before the games actually start,” he said.
“The problem that I had (in the NAGICO Super50) is the batting. We didn’t really apply the simple basic things that we needed to do to perform well which is to stay at the crease, keep our eyes on the ball. The discipline at the crease wasn’t there and I think that is something we have to work on.”
Kieran Powell has been retained as captain while Antiguan Devon ‘Booby’ Thomas will continue as vice-captain.
The other members of the team are Quinton Boatswain, Jahmar Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Sylvester ‘Bouncing’ Joseph, Anthony ‘I-Roots’ Martin, Mali Richards, Gavin Tonge, Hayden Walsh Jr and Kelbert Walters.
Jacobs expects players to perform at their highest during the upcoming tournament.
“It must change because we can’t keep on going down this road and players have to understand that they are getting paid and they are getting paid well to perform, and if they don’t perform them I guess somebody would have to take their place,” he said.
Leeward Islands will open their four-day campaign against CCC on March 1 at Warner Park Stadium in St Kitts.
The sub-regional squad will then face Jamaica in a day/night fixture from March 7 to 10, also at Warner Park.