It will be the first Regional Under-19 tournament since the West Indies U-19 team won their first youth title and it promises to be an exciting one as the six regional youth teams prepare to battle in St Vincent and the Grenadines from today in the three-day version of the tournament.
The Caribbean top youth players will once more have a chance to showcase their talent and state their case for selection to the West Indies youth team. Several of the players who participated in the West Indies youth team’s successful bid will also be making a return.
For a third straight year, Guyana have a strong team and are a top contender to retain the title for a third successive time.
They will be led for a second time by Travis Persaud and all-rounder Keemo Paul, who was the Vice Captain of the successful West Indies
Guyana Under-19 team which is currently in St Vincent and the Grenadines
U-19 team which won the World Cup in Bangladesh, will serve as the deputy.
All-rounders Sherfane Rutherford and Renaldo Ali-Mohamed are also expected to play integral roles in a line-up that is strong in all departments. Young and exciting openers Joshua Persaud and Bhaskar Yadram are also expected to contribute with the bat along with Renaldo Renee, Raymond Perez and Malcolm Hubbard.
Guyana’s outstanding performance dates back to 2014 when they won their first double- limited overs and three-day titles at home under the leadership of Brian Sattaur. Last year, in Jamaica, they repeated the feat under returning skipper Persaud.
In a brief comment via telephone Tuesday, Paul said it was obvious that they were defending champions and their confidence level was high and with that, they were going out there to execute what they have practised. With regard to him, he is optimistic about his individual contribution with bat and ball and other aspects on and off the field that are required of him.
Prior to departure, the national U-19 team was encamped at the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence Hostel and indoor facility at La Bonne Intention (LBI) on the East Coast of Demerara. The preparatory camp lasted for two weeks. The Regional U-19 tournament will run from today until August 21.
Unlike last year, the event will feature limited overs and three day cricket. The tournament will comprise three rounds of three-day matches during the first 11 days, and the Youth Super50 which fields seven teams – the six territorial sides from Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago and Windward Islands – along with a composite side from ICC Americas.
Each of the teams will play the other once in a round-robin competition, featuring seven rounds of 50 overs-a-side matches, with the top two teams qualifying for the final to determine the tournament winner on August 21 at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.
The defending champs are scheduled to play last year’s 50-over runners-up Jamaica in their opener at Park Hill. The clash is the most anticipated of the opening round and an intense battle is expected.
West Indies youth player Michael Frew is expected to spearhead Jamaica’s batting.
Guyana U-19 Squad: Travis Persaud (Captain); Keemo Paul; Sherfane Rutherford; Renaldo Ali-Mohamed; Akinie Adams; Ronaldo Renee; Malcolm Hubbard; Keshram Shabodan; Joel Seitaram; Looknauth Chinkoo; Bhaskar Yadram; Joshua Persaud; Sylus Tyndall and Raymond Perez. The Coach is Adrian Amsterdam and Manager, David Black
Jamaica U-19 squad: Brad Barnes, Kashawn Beale, Jeavor Royal, Dominik Samuels, Javar Harrison, Andre Bailey, Orande Pearson, Jordane Hill, Michael Frew, Rahvin Harvey, Tyrone Daley, Rashjni Roye, Javelle Glenn and Miguel Smith. The Coach is Odelmo Peters
In the day’s other two fixtures, Trinidad and Tobago will play Barbados at Arnos Vale Sports Complex and Leeward Islands and Windward Islands will clash at Sion Hill.
