ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Barbadian cricketers Asabi Callender and Erin Deane have been appointed co-captains of the West Indies Women’s Under-19 team, which will embark on a tour of England to prepare for the upcoming ICC Women’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup in January 2025.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced the 15-member squad on Sunday, confirming that the tour would begin on August 19.
The tour is a key part of the West Indies’ preparation for the World Cup, which is scheduled to run from January 18 to February 2, 2025, in Malaysia. The players will gain valuable experience as they compete against strong international teams, which CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe emphasized as crucial to their development.
“This tour is a critical stepping stone in our preparation for the ICC Women’s U19 Cricket World Cup,” Bascombe said. “The matches against strong international teams will test our players and help us fine-tune our strategies ahead of the global tournament.”
Best emerging talent
CWI highlighted that the squad, led by co-captains Callender and Deane, represents the best emerging talent in West Indies women’s cricket. The players have shown great promise and are expected to benefit significantly from this tour as they prepare for the world stage.
The team will compete in a series of highly competitive matches, including participating in an England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) development tournament. The tournament will feature teams from Scotland and Ireland, and the West Indies Under-19 Women’s team is guaranteed to play three T20 matches. Additionally, the squad will face the ECB Southern Under-19 Women’s Regional team in a series of fixtures, including two days of T20 doubleheaders and a 30-over match on the third day.
This tour aims to sharpen the skills of the young West Indian cricketers, providing them with exposure to different playing conditions and tough competition ahead of the World Cup. The players are eager to seize this opportunity to represent the Caribbean at the highest level.
West Indies Women’s Under-19 Squad: Asabi Callender (co-captain), Erin Deane (co-captain), Elecia Bowman, Abigail Bryce, Kenika Cassar, Dicoreya Collymore, Trisha Hardat, Theanny Herbert-Mayers, Brianna Harricharan, Danellie Manns, Aneisha Miller, Amrita Ramtahal, Selena Ross, Kristen Sutherland, Aaliyah Weekes.
Management Team – Steve Liburd (head coach), Shane Brooks (assistant coach), Ashley Stephens (physiotherapist), Yvonne Arthur (strength and conditioning coach), Merissa Aguilliera (team manager),
The West Indies team will aim to capitalize on this tour as a vital part of their preparation for the 2025 ICC Women’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup and continue building momentum as they take on international opposition in England.
