BASSETERRE, St Kitts – West Indies A Team captain Kirk Edwards wants to see his side demonstrate their readiness to advance to “the next level” when they match skills against Sri Lanka A in the coming weeks.
The two teams will play a seven-match series – starting with the first four-day ‘Test’ match at the picturesque Warner Park on Wednesday. First ball is 10 am (9 am Jamaica Time).
Speaking after the team’s training session on Tuesday, the 28-year-old Edwards said the team is happy with the preparations and focused on getting the better of their Asian opponents.
“This is a chance for the players in this team to show they are ready for the next level and also a chance to test our skills against opponents from somewhere else at the first-class level. It is a lot to look forward to. A Team cricket is more important that people know. These games come in very handy,” Edwards told WICB Media.
“The main fact they have all been selected in the team to represent the West Indies means they have something to offer and hopefully [they will] kick on from here and reach the next level.”
Edwards led Barbados to their capture of the WICB Regional 4 Day first-class title earlier this year and said he is relishing the opportunity to lead the West Indies A as well. He is one of eight players in the 13-man squad to have represented the West Indies in Test cricket. The squad also includes three newcomers to this level – fast bowlers Miguel Cummins and Sheldon Cotterell, and wicket-keeper/batsman Jahmar Hamilton – all recent graduates of the Sagicor West Indies High Performance Centre.
“I never set out to captain a team, but it is an honour to captain your country and lead a regional team as well and represent the region. I look forward to seeing everyone do their bit,” said Edwards, who has played nine Test matches in his career so far.
Full Squads:
WEST INDIES A: Kirk Edwards (captain), Veerasammy Permaul (vice captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cotterell, Miguel Cummins, Narsingh Deonarine, Assad Fudadin, Shannon Gabriel, Jahmar Hamilton, Leon Johnson, Nikita Miller, Chadwick Walton; Junior Bennett (head coach), Lockhart Sebastien (manager), Stuart Williams (assistant manager), Oba Gulston (physiotherapist), Dexter Augustus (video analyst)
SRI LANKA A: Dimuth Karunarathne (captain), Angelo Perera (vice captain), Chathuranga de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Lahiru Gamage, Ishan Jayaratne, Udara Jayasundera, Tharindu Kaushal, Madura Lakmal, Suranga Lakmal, Vimukthi Perera, Ashan Priyanjana, Malinda Pushpakumara, Kaushal Silva, Kithruwan Withanage; Romesh Kaluwitharana (head coach), Jayantha Seneviratne (manager), Champaka Ramanayake (fast bowling coach), Manoj Abeywickrema (fielding coach), Ranjith Nanayakkarawasam (physiotherapist), Mario Wellawarayan (fitness trainer), Dulip Samarasekera (video analyst), Lal Thamel (massage therapist), Hashan Thilakaratne (selector)
Schedule of matches
June
Wed 5 to Sat 8: 1st “Test” – Warner Park, St. Kitts
Wed 12 to Sat 15: 2nd “Test” – Arnos Vale Multiplex, St. Vincent
Tue 18: 1st Twenty20 match – Arnos Vale Multiplex
Wed 19: 2nd Twenty20 match – Arnos Vale Multiplex
Sun 23: 1st One-day match – Grenada National Stadium, Grenada
Tue 25: 2nd One-day match – Grenada National Stadium
Thu 27: 3rd One-day match – Grenada National Stadium
For further information:
Philip Spooner
Media Manager
West Indies Cricket Team
M: +447769168286 (in UK for Champions Trophy)
M: +1246 826-8111 (Global roaming)
windiescricket.com
P.O. Box 616W
Factory Road, St John’s, Antigua W.I.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
