BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LOCAL cricket pundit and commentator Victor Eddy believes that the triumphant young West Indies team, which captured the recent ICC U-19 World Cup, has shown several characteristics missing from the senior team during a difficult era for the game in the region.
He described the team's performance as a great hope for the future of cricket in the Caribbean, pointing to the maturity shown by the under-19 players following their 61-run mauling at the hands of England to open the tournament.
“After losing their first game against England, I thought that these young men showed good fortitude, toughness and mental strength which has been a great concern to observers in this recent era of West Indies cricket.”
Speaking to the performance of the team during the controversial Mankading game against Zimbabwe, Eddy stated that that situation highlighted the young West Indians knowledge of the game, adding it was an inspiration that boosted the team’s overall performance.
This, he opined, should be aspired by all young players in the West Indies and the wider world.
Singling out several players for their credible performances in the tournament, Eddy said he was impressed by the hard-hitting left hander Gidron Pope and fast bowler Chemar Holder.
He stressed that team performed as a unit, because while one player had an off day another stood up to fill the void.
“In the batting we had some all-round performances, especially in the last game of the tournament where Kacey Carty batted well. We also had Gidron Pope who showed brilliance in his performance. Chemar Holder, along with Alzarri Joseph, I think were the two most outstanding fast bowlers for the West Indies and also in the tournament. So collectively it was a very good all-round performance.
“It also demonstrated that they are living up to the word team, where together more was achieved. Without a doubt this would bring great confidence for the future of the game in the region.”
The former Leeward Islands and Combined Islands player informed with a smile that the OECS had some five representatives in the World Cup winning squad, adding that this speaks volumes for the game, not only in the larger territories but also the smaller ones like St. Maarten and Antigua.
Eddy extended congratulations to Michael Frew, Graeme West and the other members of the successful team that ventured to Bangladesh to compete in the World Cup.
On Sunday (Feb 14.), the young West Indians edged out India U-19 by five wickets in a thrilling encounter to lift the trophy for the first time.
The Leeward Island Cricket Board also extended congratulation to Shimron Hetmyer and his team for their success at the tournament.
“We are thrilled with the contributions of our very own Alzarri Joseph of Antigua and Keacy Carty of St. Maartesn. Alzarri led the fast bowling attack for the entire tournament with consistent and quality performances while Keacy played a vital role in the final, steering the team to victory and attaining the Man of the Final,” President of the LICB Enoch Lewis said.
The two players will be awarded for the instrumental role they played in winning the trophy during a ceremony when Antigua play host to the Hurricanes home match versus Guyana Jaguars from the 11th – 14th March 2016.
