Hetmeyer, shocked, surprised by call up

West Indies Under-19 Captain Shimron Hetmyer said he wants to make the most of his opportunity after his selection to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President’s XI team to face the touring South Africa on May 29.

The left handed national opening batsman said yesterday that though he was surprised by the call up he wanted to make the most of the opportunity.

“Well it came to me as a surprise because I was very surprised and shocked at the same time but I’m aiming to make best of this opportunity, he said.

Berbician, Hetmeyer, who has also established himself as one of the senior batsmen in the Guyana Jaguars side, is a man of a few words and he was still overly excited following his selection.

When asked if he thinks that his role as a West Indies youth Captain means a lot is expected of him he replied: “Yes I do think so and yes it does means so much too.

The WICB Selection panel released their 13-man team who will battle the AB De Villiers led South Africa in a day/night 50-over match which will be played at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago.

Dynamic opener Hetmeyer, who led the West Indies U19 team to the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 World Cup title after beating India back in February, told Stabroek Sport that he was shocked at his selection but is now looking to make a big impact once afforded the chance.

The team is led by Test vice-captain Kraigg Braithwaite and features West Indies U19 pacer Alzarri Joseph, Jermaine Blackwood, Jason Mohammed; wicket-keeper Shane Dowrich, Nikita Miller and Rayad Emrit.