Barbadian duo lead WIW U19 charge

Two rising Barbadian sensations are relishing the opportunity to lead the West Indies on the upcoming tour of the United Kingdom in preparation for the ICC Women’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup, set to take place next January in Malaysia.

Talented off-spinner Erin Deane and the exciting batter/bowler Asabi Callender have been named as co-captains for the tour, which will see the team participate in a series of highly competitive matches, including an England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) development tournament featuring teams from Scotland and Ireland.

“It’s a huge pleasure to represent the region first of all, but to lead the team is a very big opportunity and we plan to make the most of it, to enjoy the tour and to learn from it and improve on what we have already done,” Deane said in an interview on Sunday night at the Grantley Adams International Airport prior to the squad’s departure.

Deane said the girls were prepared, having participated in an intense four-day training camp in Barbados.

“I think it was a great few days. I think the girls put their best foot forward and tried to give as much energy as possible. I think we would have been able to top up on what we have done in Trinidad and Tobago so far,” she said.

Callender, who previously represented Barbados at the CARIFTA Games as a javelin thrower, believes the team is brimming with confidence.

“Well, I think the momentum would be nice going into the England tournament. We drew the series in Trinidad with the USA, so I think the girls are confident enough to go and defend what we did in Trinidad.

“It is a new bunch, so the girls are now getting accustomed to each other. We are finding out our strengths and weaknesses, so it is a growing path to the World Cup. It’s development for us,” she said.

Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, expressed his confidence in the squad, stating: “This tour is a critical stepping stone in our preparation for the ICC Women’s U19 Cricket World Cup. The matches against strong international teams will test our players and help us fine-tune our strategies ahead of the global tournament.”

Manager Melissa Aguilliera expressed general satisfaction with the team’s performance so far. She believes the UK tour will benefit the rising stars.

“The more cricket that they play, it is going to assist them to improve in all the areas that matter,” Aguilliera said.

Pedro Greaves, the recently re-elected Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) director and his colleague, Jason King, the BCA treasurer, were on hand to wish the young ladies well.

King, who is also a director of Cricket West Indies, pointed out that the board had agreed to focus on the development of women’s cricket.

“We are going to look at under-19s and under-23s. All that will build towards a stronger senior team,” he said. “They will understand what it is to play together outside of their home environment, and be able, as they get older and stronger and more knowledgeable in the game, to build on that, so that we can hopefully have performances at that top international level to move forward.”

WIW U19 Squad:

• Asabi Callender (Co-Captain)
• Erin Deane (Co-Captain)
• Elecia Bowman
• Abigail Bryce
• Kenika Cassar
• Dicoreya Collymore
• Trisha Hardhat
• Theanny Herbert-Mayers
• Brianna Harricharan
• Danellie Manns
• Jessica O’Rosco
• Amrita Ramtahal
• Selena Ross
• Kristen Sutherland
• Aaliyah Weekes

Team Management Unit:

• Head Coach: Steve Liburd
• Assistant Coach: Shane Brooks
• Physiotherapist: Ashley Stephens
• Strength & Conditioning Coach: Yvonne Arthur
• Team Manager: Merissa Aguilliera

(BT)