Grenadian cricket authority Raphael Croney has expressed strong confidence in the West Indies Under-19 team’s capabilities as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Namibia and Zimbabwe. Croney, who serves as second vice president of the Grenada Cricket Association and an active coach, recently provided commentary during the youth One Day International series between the West Indies and England teams.
The West Indies Under-19 squad demonstrated their competitive edge during a seven-match ODI series against England Under-19s held at Grenada National Stadium in St. George’s from November 16 to December 1, 2025. The Caribbean team emerged victorious with a convincing 5-2 series win, showcasing exceptional talent that has drawn significant attention from cricket experts.
In an exclusive interview with St. Lucia Times sports contributor Joseph Reds Perierra, Croney highlighted several promising players who displayed outstanding performance throughout the series. He particularly emphasized Vitel Lawes, the Jamaican leg-spinner who brings unusual bowling variety to the West Indies lineup with his ability to deliver both chinaman and googly techniques.
Croney also praised team captain Joshua Dorne for his remarkable batting achievements, including scoring a century, multiple 90s, and consistent 80-plus scores that played a critical role in the team’s success. The coach noted the exceptional partnership between Dorne and Jonathan Van Lange, whose collaborative batting efforts repeatedly rescued the West Indies from challenging situations during crucial matches.
Additionally, Croney identified emerging left-arm pace bowler Jakeem Pollard as another standout talent due to his ability to move the ball effectively in both directions. The cricket administrator emphasized the importance of recognizing these exceptionally talented players and ensuring they receive proper preparation for advancement to higher competitive levels.