West Indies Cricket Announces ‘A’ Team Squads for Home Series Against South Africa ‘A’.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) is set to host South Africa “A” in a series of matches designed to cultivate emerging talent and bolster the depth of the West Indies cricket ranks. The series, featuring three 50-over matches and two four-day “A” Team Test matches, will unfold at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia from May 21st to June 11th, 2025. This developmental series precedes the highly anticipated “Full Ah Energy” West Indies Home Series, starting on June 11th, featuring the West Indies Women’s team against South Africa at the 3Ws Oval in Barbados.

CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, highlighted the strategic significance of the “A” team series. He emphasized its role in broadening the player pool and providing crucial exposure to international competition for promising players on the cusp of selection for the senior team. The series serves as a practical application of CWI’s long-term strategic plan, focusing on nurturing talent and ensuring a sustainable pipeline of skilled cricketers for the future. This approach aims to create a robust and competitive West Indies side across all formats of the game.

Leadership opportunities are central to the series, with Alick Athanaze captaining the 50-over squad. Tevin Imlach and Jomel Warrican will share captaincy duties for the two “A” Team Test matches, respectively, allowing them to hone their leadership skills in a competitive environment. Experienced coach Andre Coley will oversee the entire series as Head Coach, providing guidance and mentorship to the young players. This blend of emerging talent and experienced leadership creates a fertile ground for development and strategic growth.

The squads selected for both the 50-over and “A” Team Test matches reflect a blend of established performers from regional competitions and up-and-coming talent. The 50-over squad, led by Athanaze, features players like Kadeem Alleyne, Kevlon Anderson, and Jyd Goolie, who have consistently impressed in domestic cricket. Seasoned players like Oshane Thomas and Kevin Wickham add experience to the mix. The “A” Team Test squads, captained by Imlach and Warrican respectively, also incorporate a mix of experience and youth, with players like John Campbell, Kraigg Brathwaite, and Alick Athanaze offering a blend of established and emerging talent.

The two “A” Team Test squads feature some common names while also allowing for experimentation with different combinations. Players like Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Kemol Savory, Ojay Shields, and Gilon Tyson are included in both Test squads, providing consistency and allowing the coaching staff to assess their performance across different match scenarios. The variations in squad composition for the two Tests offer opportunities for other players to showcase their abilities and push for selection.

CWI’s decision to offer free admission to all “A” team matches underscores their commitment to fostering fan engagement and providing accessible cricket to the community. This provides a unique opportunity for fans to witness the future stars of West Indies cricket in action and to become invested in their development. The close proximity of the “A” team series to the subsequent West Indies Home Series generates further excitement and creates a continuous flow of high-level cricket for fans to enjoy. The detailed schedule, featuring three 50-over matches between May 21st and 27th, followed by two four-day Tests from June 1st to 4th and June 8th to 11th, ensures a comprehensive and engaging series. This also provides ample opportunities for players to gain valuable match experience and for the coaching staff to assess performances and identify potential areas for improvement.

The comprehensive support staff, including Dwain Gill as Manager, Jerome Taylor as Assistant Coach (Bowling), John Eugene as Assistant Coach (Fielding), Shian Ollivierre as Physiotherapist, and Damique Walters as Strength & Conditioning Coach, ensures a holistic approach to player development. This team of experts will work closely with the players, providing specialized support in various areas, ranging from technical skills to physical conditioning. The focus on fitness and recovery underlines the importance of maintaining player well-being and maximizing their potential. This robust support system is essential for creating a conducive learning environment and fostering the growth of the young players.

In conclusion, the West Indies “A” vs South Africa “A” series is more than just a series of matches; it represents a strategic investment in the future of West Indies cricket. It provides a crucial platform for emerging talent to showcase their abilities against international opposition, develop their leadership skills, and gain valuable experience under the guidance of experienced coaches. This comprehensive approach to player development, coupled with the accessibility of the matches to fans, underscores CWI’s commitment to building a strong and sustainable future for West Indies cricket. The series serves as a bridge between domestic cricket and the international stage, providing a crucial stepping stone for players aspiring to represent the West Indies senior team.