PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Three newcomers have been selected on the Young Trinidad & Tobago team for the TCL Group West Indies Youth Challenge in Jamaica from July 7 to August 6.Opening batman Amir Khan, as well as fast bowlers Teshawn Castro, and Aneil Harrypersad are the new faces in the 14-member squad which will be led by all-rounder Yannick Ottley. “We have an intelligent captain who has shown great leadership qualities,” said manager William Wallace.
“I am confident that we will bring back home some silverware. Several players will emerge from this team, and if they keep their heads on their shoulders, they can go on to play regional and international cricket.” Ottley is one of five players, who were drafted from the T&T Under-17 team on to the Under-19 side in Barbados last year, after six players were sent home for various disciplinary reasons.
The others were Nicholas Alexis, Rickson Maniram, Kissoondath Magram, and Sachin Boodram.
These players have also been selected on the T&T U-19 team, who will be defending its limited-overs title in Jamaica.
T&T’s batting will be centred around Ottley, Yannic Cariah, Akeil Cooper, Evin Lewis, Aaron Alfred, Javed Boodram, Alexis and Sachin Boodram. The bowling will be headed by spinner Magram, with support from Castro, Harrypersad, Cariah and Sachin Boodram.“The team is well balanced,” said Wallace. “We have plenty of batting, and of course, we have many spinners to choose from and that is always an advantage for us.
“Preparations have gone well and in the coming days, prior to the team’s departure to Jamaica, mental development seminars will take place alongside regular training sessions.”
Former T&T captain and West Indies batsman Larry Gomes will again perform the duties of coach. Squad:Yannick Ottley (captain), Yannic Cariah, Akeil Cooper, Nicholas Alexis, Aaron Alfred, Amir Khan, Rickson Maniram, Javed Boodram, Evin Lewis, Kissoondath Magram, Teshawn Castro, Sachin Boodram, Marc Panchu, Aneil Harrypersad.
