The West Indies Rising Stars U19s
team recently returned home after
an intense six-match tour where
they faced the England Young
Lions. For the West Indies players, it formed
part of their developmental programme,
geared towards their participation in the
International Cricket Council’s U19 World
Cup.
The Youth ODI Series ended 4-2 in
favour of the home team – two of those
matches ended by the narrowest of margins
with victory by one wicket. Acting Head
Coach Rohan Nurse said the trip to England
was hugely beneficial for all the players and
he wants to see them continue to grow and
progress in the coming months.
“Winning the final game was very important
to us because we suffered some close defeats
and knowing that we have competed really
well, we wanted to leave the tour with
some momentum for the latter part of our
preparations for the World Cup,” Nurse said.
“The players stuck to their task well and
executed the plans that were set in place
much better.”
The six matches were played at the County
Ground in Beckenham and the Polo Field in
Canterbury. The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup
to be hosted by Cricket West Indies from
January 4 to February 3, 2022.
Reflecting on the overall tour, Nurse further spoke on
where the team will look to improve in the
build-up to the global event.
“Over the course of the tour the players would have shown
great resilience and fight especially in difficult situations.
However, we will be looking at improving the consistency
in terms of the batting and be disciplined in the bowling
department, regarding bowling to plans for longer periods of
time.”
“Yes, there were some useful performances on tour from
these guys in particular plus others such as the left arm pacer
Andel Gordon and leg-spinner Vasant Singh,” said Nurse.
“In addition, other guys would have stood up and given
creditable performances at different times on tour. They
probably just lacked consistency; however, I do believe the
nucleus of squad that was in England will play a big part
going forward.”