THE Selection Panel of Cricket West Indies earlier this week announced a 13-member West Indies “A” squad for the first two “Tests” of their home series against Sri Lanka “A” starting Wednesday, October 11.
Only two members of the squad — vice-captain Vishal Singh and left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell — have featured for the senior men’s team in full international Tests, and Sunil Ambris is a current member of the senior One-Day International squad playing against England.
A number of the other players, including captain Shamarh Brooks, have featured in previous series either for Windies “A” or in tour matches against visiting international teams in the last two seasons.
The squad reads: Shamarh Brooks (captain), Vishal Singh (vice-captain), Sunil Ambris, John Campbell, YannicCariah, Rahkeem Cornwall, Sheldon Cottrell, Jahmar Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Damion Jacobs, Keon Joseph, Reynard Leveridge and Oshane Thomas.
Commenting on the squad, Chairman of the CWI Selection Panel, Courtney Browne, said: “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. 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.”
Schedule of matches: October: Wednesday 11 to Saturday 14: 1st “Test” — Trelawny Multiplex, Jamaica; Thursday, 19 to Sunday 22: 2nd “Test” — Trelawny Multiplex Jamaica; Thursday 26 to Sunday 29: 3rd “Test” — Sabina Park, Jamaica.
November: Wednesday 1: 1st One-Day Match — Sabina Park; Friday 3: 2nd One-Day Match, Sabina Park; Sunday 5: 3rd One-Day Match — Trelawny.