Windies Under-19s continue preparation for cricket World Cup

The West Indies Under-19 cricket team begins another important stage of its World Cup preparations this weekend as it meets England in a seven match Youth One Day International series in Grenada. The tour, which starts on Sunday, is expected to provide selectors and coaches with further insight into the squad’s readiness for next year’s ICC Under-19 World Cup.

The young Caribbean outfit arrives in Grenada encouraged by the narrow but purposeful four to three win over Sri Lanka in Antigua two months ago. That result, achieved in the team’s first full series together, has been highlighted by head coach Rohan Nurse as proof that the group is beginning to develop the character needed at international level. “We were really impressed with the resilience shown by the players in the last series, especially since it was the first time they had been together as a team,” Nurse said. “Those are elements that cannot necessarily be coached. They have to be developed within the group, and we are quite happy with that. We want to build on it going forward.”

Three changes have been made to the squad that faced Sri Lanka. DeShawn James returns after recovering from injury, while Kunal Tilokani and Tanez Francis have been included following strong performances in the regional Under-17 tournament. Afraz Ali Buhdoo, Micah Greenidge and Pajay Nelson will not feature in the England series but remain part of the extended training group. Jewel Andrew and Micah McKenzie are also being monitored as final selections for the World Cup draw closer.

Nurse said that while the determination shown in Antigua was encouraging, the next stage of development will focus on achieving greater consistency and discipline. “One of the main things we have emphasized is maintaining intensity in all departments, batting, bowling and especially fielding. We want to create some kind of advantage in that area,” he explained. He added that establishing solid opening partnerships and capitalizing on early batting starts remain central goals. “It all starts at the top from a batting viewpoint and being able to convert when we get starts. From a bowling standpoint, we have worked on clearly defining roles and identifying who best suits which role.”

The seven match schedule began on 16 November and continues with games on 19, 21, 24, 26 and 29 November before concluding on 1 December. Team officials believe the timing of the series is ideal, offering a stretch of competitive cricket that blends performance demands with continued guidance on professionalism and expectations. “This series comes at a really good time for us,” Nurse said. “Now it is more about moving toward a performance driven environment while still helping the guys understand professionalism, expectations and roles on and off the field.”

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