Windward Islands all-rounder Shadrack Descarte has been appointed captain of Saint Lucia’s 14-man squad for the upcoming Windward Islands Senior Men’s Tournament, scheduled from July 26 to August 3 in Grenada.
As the new leader, Descarte will guide a dynamic batting lineup, seasoned players, and four individuals eager to make their senior debuts. His vice-captain will be fellow all-rounder Tarrique Edward, who impressed in 2023 after progressing through youth teams to earn his first senior cap.
Key returning players alongside Descarte include former West Indies Under-19 captain Kimani Melius, Windward Islands wicketkeeper Noelle Leo, left-arm spinner Jaden Elibox, and fast-bowling all-rounder Tyrel Chicot.
Stephen Naitram, a 31-year-old opening batsman from Forestierre, makes his return to the national setup following standout performances in domestic tournaments like the Dream11 T10 Blast and the Saint Lucia Premier League. He fills the void left by West Indies player Ackeem Auguste and former Windward youth captain Johnnel Eugene.
The squad welcomes four newcomers: Dominic Auguste, Joshua Cepal, Royce Paul, and Tyler Venner. Cepal and Paul are promising fast bowlers aiming to address the gaps left by Keon Gaston and McKenny Clarke. Venner, a versatile all-rounder, recently impressed with consecutive half-centuries in the Cricket West Indies Rising Stars 50-Over Championship. Auguste, a powerful top-order batter, will also serve as a backup wicketkeeper.
Windwards Under-19 captain and opening batsman Theo Edward made a notable impact in the recent regional youth competition.
The squad also features right-arm offspinner Lee John and left-arm medium pacer Shawnil Edward. The team will be coached by former West Indies offspinner Garey Mathurin, a Level 3 coach with prior experience with the Windward Islands Volcanoes. Nerville Florence will continue in the role of manager, a position he has held for the past two years.
Saint Lucia is set to face the Commonwealth of Dominica in a one-off three-day match starting Sunday at Tanteen. The Super-50 Championship kicks off next Thursday, with defending champions Saint Lucia taking on St Vincent & the Grenadines at Tanteen.
Following that, the team will compete against Dominica and Grenada at La Sagesse, with the final match scheduled for Monday, August 3, at the same venue.