ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Selectors have named a strong 13-man West Indies A team to face Sri Lanka A in the first two four-day ‘Tests’ of the three-match series set to bowl off in Jamaica next month.
The squad will be again led by Shamarh Brooks and include left-handed batsman Vishal Singh and left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell, both of whom have represented West Indies in Tests.

Prolific Windward Islands batsman Sunil Ambris, currently on tour with the Windies one-day side in England, has been named in the unit.
Chief selector Courtney Browne said the series represented another opportunity for fringe players to press their claim for a place in the international side.

“Our A-Team is the feeding ground for our senior men’s team and so we are looking to continue the development of our second-tier players,” Browne said.
“With a strong focus on consistency in selection, this series is another opportunity for them to continue to press their claims for a place in the senior side, thus placing selection pressure on incumbents, ensuring there is healthy competition for spots and growing our talent pool.”

Also making a return to the squad is untested Jamaican speedster Reynard Leveridge who limped out of the first ‘Test’ of the last A-tour of Sri Lanka last October while on debut, and was sidelined for the remainder of the series with injury.
John Campbell, also from Jamaica, has gained a call-up after scoring 495 runs in the last first-class season, and is joined by fellow left-hander Yannic Cariah of Trinidad and Tobago who was also among the runs with 691, including two centuries.

The opening match of the series is set for the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium from October 11 to 14, with the second match carded for the same venue five days later.
Sabina Park in the capital Kingston will host the third and final match from October 26 to 29.

SQUAD – Shamarh Brooks (captain), Vishal Singh (vice-captain), Sunil Ambris, John Campbell, Yannic Cariah, Rahkeem Cornwall, Sheldon Cottrell, Jahmar Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Damion Jacobs, Keon Joseph, Reynard Leveridge, Oshane Thomas.