St John’s, Antigua – West Indies A Team captain Veerasammy Permaul believes that with the support of the senior players in the team and a total team effort he can lead the regional side to victory over Bangladesh A in the First Digicel ‘Test’ at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds.
“I’ve played with most of the players in the team already and I’m comfortable with them, we have a good understanding and I am sure I will receive the full support of the senior guys so once the team goes out and gives 110% I believe we will come out on top,” Permaul said after the West Indies A training session yesterday afternoon.
Permaul, originally named the vice captain, was thrust into the role of captain after Dwayne Bravo suffered an injury on Thursday.
“It’s really unfortunate that Bravo got injured, especially since he is such a senior player and we wish him a speedy recovery,” the 22 year old left arm spinner said.
“Captaincy of the West Indies A Team is an honour and it gives me an opportunity to captain players who have played for the West Indies senior team and I will be looking to them for their support and advice as well,” Permaul outlined.
Permaul said that his stint at the Sagicor High Performance Centre has better equipped him to be able to handle the rigours of leadership and to have several of his HPC teammates in the West Indies A Team is an added benefit.
Permaul also captains the Albion Cricket Team in Guyana which includes West Indies spinner Devendra Bishoo and Sewnarine Chattergoon and Narsingh Deonarine who have both played for the Windies team.
“Captaining guys who have played at the highest level back in my club team will help me in this role,” Permaul reasoned.
“We have a good group of players in this A Team and it will be a learning experience for all of us and I think the key will be to go out and play tough cricket in all departments and we will prevail,” Permaul said.
West Indies A squad for First Digicel ‘Test’: Veerasammy Permaul – Captain, Nkrumah Bonner, Carlos Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Rajendra Chandrika, Kyle Corbin, Shannon Gabriel, Sunil Narine, Nelon Pascal, Danza Hyatt, Andre Russell, Devon Thomas
Team Management: Head Coach – Hendy Springer, Assistant Coach – Stuart Williams, Team Manager – Colin Borde, Physiotherapist – Dr. Jacqui King-Mowatt, Strength and Conditioning Coach – Shannon Lashley
Bangladesh A Squad: Jahirul Islam (Captain), Mohammed Mithun (Vice Captain), Zunaed Siddique, Roqibul Hassan, Robiul Islam, Mohammed Sohrawordi, Shuvagata Hom Chowdhury, Nasir Hossain, Nasir Uddin, Faruque, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mominul Hoque, Nur Hossain, Shohag Gazi, Alauddin Babu
