ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Rookie batsman Gavin Williams will lead a 13-man Leeward Islands side for their first match of the Regional Four-Day Championship against Guyana starting Friday.

The 27-year-old right-hander has played only seven first class matches since making his debut two years ago.

He takes over from West Indies leg-spinner Anthony Martin who led the side in the recent Caribbean Twenty20 campaign when Leewards failed to make it past the preliminary round.

Dashing 21-year-old West Indies left-hander Kieran Powell has been appointed vice-captain, with out-of-favour Windies wicketkeeper Devon Thomas and seasoned fast bowler Gavin Tonge also included.

Twenty-one year-old all-rounder Nelson Bolan, a former West Indies Under-19 player, has been called up for his maiden first class season but no room has been found for seasoned off-spinner Justin Athanaze and experienced opener Montcin Hodge both of whom are on a six-man reserve list.

Last season, the Leewards finished one from bottom on 19 points in the eight-team championship won by Jamaica for the fourth straight season.

SQUAD – Gavin Williams (captain), Kieran Powell (vice captain), Shane Jeffers, Orlando Peters, Gavin Tonge, Larry Joseph, Anthony Martin, Steve Liburd, Tonito Willet, Nelson Bolan, Jason Campbell, Devon Thomas, Jahmar Hamilton.