ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Selectors have named a strong 13-man West Indies A to face Sri Lanka A in the first two four-day “Tests” of the three-match series set to bowl off in Jamaica next month.
The squad will be again led by Shamarh Brooks and include left-handed batsman Vishal Singh and left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell, both of whom have represented West Indies in Tests.
Prolific Windward Islands batsman batsman, Sunil Ambris, currently on tour with the Windies one-day side in England, has been named in the unit.
Chief selector Courtney Browne said the series represented another opportunity for fringe players to press their claim for a place in the international side.
“Our A-Team is the feeding ground for our senior men’s team and so we are looking to continue the development of our second-tier players,” Browne said.
“With a strong focus on consistency in selection, this series is another opportunity for them to continue to press their claims for a place in the senior side, thus placing selection pressure on incumbents, ensuring there is healthy competition for spots and growing our talent pool.”
Also making a return to the squad is untested Jamaican speedster Reynard Leveridge who limped out of the first “Test” of the last A-tour of Sri Lanka last October while on debut, and was sidelined for the remainder of the series with injury.
John Campbell, also from Jamaica, has gained a call-up after scoring 495 runs in the last first class season, and is joined by fellow left-hander Yannic Cariah of Trinidad and Tobago who was also among the runs with 691, including two centuries.
The opening match of the series is set for the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium from October 11-14, with the second match carded for the same venue five days later.
Sabina Park in the capital Kingston will host the third and final match from October 26-29.
SQUAD – Shamarh Brooks (captain), Vishal Singh (vice-captain), Sunil Ambris, John Campbell, Yannic Cariah, Rahkeem Cornwall, Sheldon Cottrell, Jahmar Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Damion Jacobs, Keon Joseph, Reynard Leveridge, Oshane Thomas.
