A trio of inexperienced players, Kevlon Anderson, Shamar Joseph, and Abhijai Mansingh, have earned their maiden international call-ups and will be part of the 14-man West Indies-A squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa, scheduled to begin later this month.
Led by Test wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva, the team will engage in three four-day “Tests” against South Africa-A from November 21 to December 8.
Kevlon Anderson, a 23-year-old right-handed batsman, showcased his talent during his time at the West Indies Academy and impressed with his quality batting in the Headley-Weekes Tri Series. Shamar Joseph, a 23-year-old right-arm fast bowler, has garnered attention for his genuine pace, exceptional fitness, and a strong desire to expand his cricket knowledge.
Abhijai Mansingh, a 26-year-old leg-spinning all-rounder, displayed his capabilities with both bat and ball in first-class cricket, earning him this opportunity to exhibit his skills and progress on the international stage.
Four current Test players in the touring side
Da Silva, who excelled as captain during the Test matches in Bangladesh earlier this year, has been entrusted with leading the squad once again. He is one of four current Test players in the touring side, alongside rookie left-handed openers Kirk McKenzie and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, as well as fast bowler Jayden Seales.
McKenzie, at 23, made his Test debut in the Caribbean against India in July, while Chanderpaul has already made a significant impact in Test cricket, including scoring a double hundred in just eight Test matches. Seales, at 22, has gained valuable experience in 10 Tests since his debut as a teenager.
The squad also includes 28-year-old Shermon Lewis, who returns to the setup after playing two Tests five years ago, and 26-year-old batsman Tevin Imlach, with 15 first-class matches to his name, serving as Da Silva’s deputy.
Positive impact of the previous ‘A’ Team tour
Chief selector Desmond Haynes highlighted the positive impact of the previous ‘A’ Team tour to Bangladesh on player development in the red-ball format, expressing the desire to see similar progress during the South Africa tour.
Head coach Andre Coley will oversee the management team, with former director of cricket Jimmy Adams serving as assistant coach, along with former Australia fast bowler Shaun Taitt.
- The squad for the South Africa tour includes: Joshua Da Silva (captain), Tevin Imlach (vice-captain), Kevlon Anderson, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kavem Hodge, Akeem Jordan, Shamar Joseph, Shermon Lewis, Jair McAllister, Zachary McCaskie, Kirk McKenzie, Abhijai Mansingh, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair.
- Coaching Staff: Andre Coley (head coach), Dwain Gill (team manager), Jimmy Adams (assistant coach), Shaun Tait (assistant coach).
