Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially unveiled the West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 squad that will compete in the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
The 15th edition of this prestigious tournament is scheduled to take place in South Africa from January 19 to February 11, 2024.
Stephan Pascal, a talented top-order batter, has been entrusted with the role of Captain, while Nathan Sealy, a versatile slow bowling all-rounder, will serve as Vice Captain. The 15-member squad primarily comprises players who participated in the Youth One-Day Internationals (50-over matches) and two four-day “Test” matches during the tour of Sri Lanka in August and September.
Notably, the squad includes three players who represented the West Indies in the 2022 ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup, hosted in the West Indies. These players are fast bowler Isai Thorne, left-handed all-rounder Nathan Edward, and left-handed batter Jordan Johnson.
Gathered in Antigua for a one-week training camp
Thorne’s impressive performance during his first-class debut for the West Indies Academy against Emerging Ireland last month highlighted his potential, as he claimed 12 wickets in two matches with an average of 6.16 per wicket. Jordan Johnson also made his first-class debut on the recent South Africa tour with the West Indies A Team.
The squad has gathered in Antigua for a one-week training camp at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, where they will undergo intensive training and fitness sessions. The camp also includes planning sessions and personal development workshops.
Robert Haynes, the Lead Selector, expressed confidence in the squad, saying, “We have named a balanced squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup, and we expect them to do very well in this prestigious international event.” He highlighted the team’s valuable experience gained during the tour of Sri Lanka and emphasized their readiness for the forthcoming tournament.
Haynes acknowledged the significance of this opportunity for the young cricketers to represent the West Indies on a global stage, adding, “This is a crucial stage in their development, and we expect to see them do very well.”
First round of the tournament
In the first round of the tournament, the West Indies U19 team has been placed in Group B, alongside hosts South Africa, Scotland, and England. All of their initial matches will be held at the J.B. Marks Oval in Potchefstroom. Prior to the tournament matches, the team will engage in warm-up games against New Zealand and Nepal in Johannesburg.
The ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup features four groups: Group A with India, Bangladesh, Ireland, and the USA; Group C with Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Namibia; and Group D with Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Nepal. The top three teams from each group will progress to the Super Six phase scheduled from January 30 to February 3. The Semi-Finals will be held on February 6 and 8, with the Final taking place on February 11 at Willowmore Park in Benoni.
The full squad for the West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under 19s
Stephan Pascal (Captain) – right-handed bat; Nathan Sealy (Vice Captain) – right-handed bat/left-arm spin; Jewel Andrew – right-handed bat/wicket-keeper; Mavendra Dindyal – right-handed bat/right-arm leg-spin bowler; Joshua Dorne – right-handed bat; Nathan Edward – left-handed bat/left-arm fast bowler; Tarrique Edward – right-handed bat/right-arm off-spin bowler; Reon Edwards – left-handed bat/left-arm fast bowler; Deshawn James – right-handed bat/right-arm fast bowler; Jordan Johnson – left-handed bat; Devonie Joseph – left-handed bat/wicket-keeper; Raneico Smith – right-handed bat/right-arm fast bowler; Isai Thorne – right-handed bat/right-arm fast bowler; Steve Wedderburn – left-handed bat; Adrian Weir – right-handed bat.
The team management
Rohan Nurse (Head Coach); Rohan Clarke (Assistant Coach); Nick Wilton (Assistant Coach); Dwain Gill (Team Manager); Dominic Angoy (Physiotherapist); Gregory Seale (Strength and Conditioning Coach)
The schedule for warm-up matches includes:
- Sunday, January 14: vs New Zealand at Braamfischer Oval, Johannesburg
- Tuesday, January 16: vs Nepal at St Stithians, Johannesburg
In the first round, Group B matches are scheduled as follows:
- Friday, January 19: vs South Africa at JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
- Wednesday, January 24: vs Scotland at JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
- Friday, January 26: vs England at JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
The ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup is a platform for young talent to showcase their skills on the global stage, and the West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under 19s are gearing up to make a significant impact in the competition.
 has officially unveiled the West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 squad that will compete in the ICC Men’s){kind=link}