West Indies Under-19s Ready for England Challenge

The West Indies Under-19 cricket team is set to embark on a pivotal seven-match Youth ODI series against England, commencing on Sunday in Grenada. This series serves as a critical component of their preparation for the ICC Under-19 World Cup scheduled for early next year. Head coach Rohan Nurse is optimistic about the team’s progress, particularly following their hard-earned 4–3 victory over Sri Lanka in Antigua two months ago. Nurse highlighted the resilience and unity displayed by the young squad during that series, qualities he believes are essential for their continued development. The team has undergone three changes since the Sri Lanka tour, with DeShawn James returning from injury and Kunal Tilokani and Tanez Francis earning their spots after standout performances in the regional Under-17 tournament. While Afraz Ali Buhdoo, Micah Greenidge, and Pajay Nelson have been omitted from the England series, they remain part of the broader player pool for the upcoming World Cup. Nurse emphasized the importance of consistency, concentration, and maintaining intensity across all aspects of the game—batting, bowling, and fielding—as key areas for improvement. He also stressed the need for players to convert strong starts into substantial performances and to clearly define their roles within the team. With the World Cup on the horizon, the England series provides an invaluable opportunity for the West Indies U19 squad to refine their skills, build cohesion, and adapt to the demands of international cricket. The series will run from November 16 to December 1, with matches scheduled across Grenada. The team management, led by Nurse and supported by assistant coaches Jerome Taylor and Nikita Miller, is focused on fostering a performance-driven environment while instilling professionalism and clarity of roles both on and off the field.