WINDHOEK, Namibia — As the ICC Under-19 World Cup edges into view, West Indies head coach Rohan Nurse believes his side is striking form at precisely the right moment, buoyed by a commanding warm-up victory and the emergence of two teenage batters who announced themselves in emphatic fashion.
Speaking on Tuesday during an appearance on the Mason and Guest radio show, Nurse expressed strong satisfaction with his team’s preparation after a dominant outing against Japan, a performance highlighted by scintillating centuries from 16-year-old Shamar Apple and 17-year-old Tanez Francis.
Batters cash in on valuable time in the middle
For Nurse, the most encouraging aspect of the warm-up was the opportunity it afforded his top order to settle, build innings, and dictate terms.
“It was a very good opportunity for the batters to spend some time in the middle,” he said. “We’re pleased to have two of the younger members of the team batting throughout.”
Their contrasting centuries combined to propel the Caribbean side to an imposing total, setting the ideal platform as competitive action begins Thursday against Tanzania.
Francis anchors with composure beyond his years
Francis, the Antiguian from Jennings, produced a display of maturity well beyond his 17 years, compiling an unbeaten 122 from 148 deliveries while controlling the tempo of the innings.
“He showed good character and the ability to bat through the innings and manage it well,” Nurse noted.
Described by the coach as a “very, very hard worker,” Francis earned his selection through consistent performances against England and across regional age-group tournaments.
“He does provide a very good foil for a lot of the other batters,” Nurse added, underlining the importance of his stability at the top of the order.
Apple unleashes a fearless counterpunch
While Francis anchored, Apple electrified.
The 16-year-old unleashed a ferocious assault, hammering 124 from just 65 balls at a staggering strike rate of 190.1, an innings punctuated by 10 fours and eight sixes.
“Apple played his natural game, which propelled him,” Nurse said.
Already drawing attention beyond his age group, Apple, who models his game on mentor Sherfane Rutherford, has tasted senior domestic exposure after being named in the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad for the recent Super50 Cup.
“He has natural, very good ball-striking ability, and it’s just about guiding that raw talent,” Nurse explained.
Bowling unit matches the momentum
The dominance extended beyond the bat. The Windies bowlers delivered a disciplined and incisive performance, led by R’Jai Gittins, who returned exceptional figures of four for eight from four overs.
He was well supported by Vital Laws, who claimed three for 28 from eight overs, a welcome boost after a rain-affected first warm-up limited the bowlers’ opportunity to find rhythm.
Adjusting to Namibian conditions
Nurse also acknowledged the environmental challenges confronting the squad as they adjust to Namibia’s demanding climate and altitude.
“The oxygen in the air is a bit thin, and it is taking a little bit of time to acclimatise,” he admitted.
Nevertheless, he praised the commitment of both players and support staff in managing the heat, humidity, and physical demands of the setting.
Confidence high as tournament begins
With two convincing warm-up performances completed and momentum building, Nurse struck a confident note as the World Cup action gets underway.
“We are well prepared,” he affirmed. “Pretty much, now is the time.”
