Strong T&T squad poised to leave for Under-19 tournament

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – A confident Trinidad and Tobago Under-19 squad, led by West Indies vice-captain Yannick Ottley, will leave here today to participate in the TCL Group West Indies Under-19 Challenge Trophy in St Lucia.

They will start their quest against defending champion Jamaica in the opening round of the three-day tournament starting Thursday at Gros Islet.

The side has been bolstered by three players who represented West Indies in the ICC Youth World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year, including captain Ottley, all-rounder Yannic Cariah and left-handed batsman Evin Lewis.

“I think the team is well prepared both physically and mentally. We did a lot of work in the physical training sessions with the respective coaches and the mental sessions with Dr Frank Dolly,” said Ottley.

“I think we are well equipped to do well in the tournament and given the composition of the team, we have what it takes to win both titles.”

Also in the 14-member squad are five players who participated in last year’s tournament in Jamaica, including opening batsman Nicholas Alexis, leg-spinner Kissoondath Magram, all-rounders Sachin Boodram and Teshawn Castro, and wicketkeeper Rickson Maniram.

Former T&T and West Indies fast bowler Anthony Gray has been re-appointed coach, while ex-national all-rounder Roland Sampath will perform the managerial duties.