Schoolboy called up for T and T semi-final clash with Jamaica

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC-Teenage schoolboy Jeremy Solozano has been named in a 13-man squad for Trinidad and Tobago’s semifinal match against Jamaica in the Regional Four-Day Championship May 2-5, in Jamaica.

The 19 year old batsman has been a prolific scorer, hitting 63 and 67 not out, in his first league match for the Parkites’ Championship Division team over the weekend.

Solozano also scored back-to-back hundreds for East Zone in the InterZone Under-19 tournament, as well as two centuries for Hillview in the PowerGen Secondary Schools Cricket League.

“We see a tremendous amount of talent in him and we wanted to expose him to the higher level,” said Chairman of selectors Dudnath Ramkessoon.

“We know he has the ability to bat long and occupy the crease and it will be a good opportunity for him”.

Solozano, one of two uncapped players in the T&T squad, comes into the national team for opening batsman Adrian Barath, who has had an inconsistent season so far with scores of 16, 15, 3, 8, 14 and 11 not out in his previous six first-class innings.

The other uncapped player is Solozano’s club teammate left-hand batsman Akeal Hosein, who represented the West Indies Under-19 side in the Youth World Cup last year.

“We tried to get the best combination and after giving players numerous opportunities, we have decided to give other players a chance,” said Ramkesson.

“The changes were also prompted by the recent poor showing especially in the batting.”

Hosein’s West Indies Under-19 teammate wicketkeeper Steven Katwaroo has also been added to the side after showing good form with the bat for his Premier Division Club Alescon Comets in recent matches.

“He (Katwaroo) has been doing well with the bat,” Ramkessoon added.

“He played two matches this season and scored two half centuries so we felt it was time to give him another opportunity”.

Trinidad and Tobago have been struggling in the regional-four day tournament suffering heavy losses to Barbados and Combined Campuses and Colleges recently.