ALL-ROUNDER Audy Alexander and opening batsman Kimani Melius will lead Saint Lucia 13 man squad for the upcoming two day format of the Windward Islands Goodwill Cricket Tournament in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines from April 2 -11, 2019.
Audy is a former Saint Lucia and Windward Islands U-19 captain. He is fresh off his half century against the Leeward Islands in the recently completed Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Four Day Tournament. Audy is a middle order batsman and right arm off spinner. He is ably assisted by opening batsman Kimani Melius who himself has performed outstandingly for the Windward Islands recently.
According to Shaun Alcindor, vice president of the SLNCA, the team comprises six debutantes including: Ackeem Auguste, former West Indies Under- 16 wicket keeper/ batsman and former Windwards Under -15 captain; Garvin Serieux, former West Indies U-16 all-rounder, Saint Lucia U-19 all-rounder; Shadrack Descartes and Kester Charlemagne former Saint Lucia all-rounders; Junior Henry former Saint Lucia and Windward Islands U-19 wicket keeper/ batsman and Dillan John, Central Castries fast bowler.
Dillan John has been knocking on the door for a number of years and finally gets his call up this year.
Alcindor said, “The team is a balanced mix with pace and spin with four pacers on the team and six spinners. The spinning core includes Senior Cricketer for the Year 2018 and Windward Islands leading wicket taker in the Super 50 tournament Larry Edward, Captain Audy Alexander, leg spinner Dornan Edward and part timers Jamaal James, Ackeem Auguste and Tarryck Gabriel.”
The batting is dependent on Windwards openers Tarryck Gabriel and Kimani Melius, prolific Central Castries batsmen Jamaal James and Stephen Naitram who will be doubling up as the wicketkeeper. All-rounders; Audy Alexander, Garvin Serieux, Ackeem Auguste, Dornan Edward and Shadrack Descartes.
The team is mostly a youthful team. At 18, Kimani Melius is a three year veteran of the team.
According to the SLNCA, it is the intention that a strategic development of young players will improve the team’s fortunes.
While in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the team will be under the watchful eyes of Coach Alton Crafton. He will be assisted by Donald Dave Albert and Team Manager David Olliver.
The full squad reads: Audy Alexander (captain), Kimani Melius (vice-captain), Jamaal James, Tarryck Gabriel, Larry Edward, Dornan Edward, Stephen Naitram, Dillan John, Kester Charlemagne, Junior Henry, Shadrack Descartes, Garvin Serieux and Ackeem Auguste.
The reserves: Keygan Arnold, Simeon Gerson and Kevin Augustin.
The defending champions are Dominica. The tournament was last held in Saint Lucia in 2018 and the home team finished third.