LONDON– (CMC)- West Indies Rising Stars are expected to begin training in earnest later this week after arriving in England over the weekend for their six-game one-day series against England’s Under-19s.

The 18-man squad, which is being led by Ackeem Auguste, is scheduled to play their first game next Saturday at Beckenham, the first of three matches scheduled for the Greater London venue.

The last three matches will be played at Canterbury in the southeast.
Expectations are high following an extensive training camp in Antigua and lead selector Robert Haynes said he backed the side to impress.

“We have a very good combination, and it is really pleasing to see we have quality all-round cricketers in the group, which gives us more options,” Haynes said on the squad’s announcement.

“The conditions in England will be challenging, and they know that, but they have fantastic management support in the set-up, including Sir Curtly Ambrose whose experience and knowledge will be an asset.”

He added: “If you look at the balance in the bowling attack we have now selected, with six fast bowlers and three specialist spinners, you can see we have selected a quality attack.
“We also have some talented batsmen who we expect to perform well. The work that everyone has put in to get these guys here to this level has been exceptional.”

The squad is being led by Rohan Nurse in the absence of head coach Floyd Reifer who had previous commitments in the Caribbean Premier League.

Sir Curtly is one of two assistant coaches along with Steve Liburd, the former Leeward Islands batsman.
Cricket West Indies president, Ricky Skerrit, urged the side to be united in their quest for success on the September 4-17 tour.

“We want you to work hard, to support each other and always give us your best. You are from different countries, but you are now representing the West Indies and that is the most important thing,” he said.

Several members of the squad received their COVID-19 vaccines before departing the Caribbean.

SQUAD – Ackeem Auguste (captain), Giovonte Depeiza (vice-captain), Onaje Amory, Anderson Amurdan, Justin Beckford, Teddy Bishop, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, McKenny Clarke, Rivaldo Clarke, Nathan Edward, Andel Gordon, Sion Hackett, Justin Jagessar, Johann Layne, Anderson Mahase, Matthew Nandu, Isai Thorne, Vasant Singh.