Fresh from his Test debut, Dominican cricketer, Alick Athanaze, has been named to the West Indies team as they take on India in three One Day International (ODI) matches in Barbados and Trinidad.
The CG ODI Series powered by YES BANK starts on Thursday, July 27. Athanaze was named on the 15-member squad following a four-day camp at Kensington Oval in Barbados which was held to prepare the white-ball players for ODI Series, as well as the five-match T20I Series that follows.
The first two matches will be held at the Kensington Oval on Thursday, July 27, and Saturday, July 29. The teams will then move to Trinidad for the final match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Tuesday, August 1.
Athanaze made an impressive debut in the Test against India in Dominica which began on Wednesday, July 12, scoring 47 runs off 99 balls, which included one six and six fours.
He had to face the likes of veteran and world-class Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin, which he admitted was very challenging.
He was eventually bowled out by Shardul Thakur at mid-on and although the West Indies suffered a humiliating defeat at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Roseau, Athanaze was praised by commentators and observers alike for his calmness and focus during his time at the crease.
He also played remarkably well in the second Test in Trinidad where he was again praised for showing grit.
The West Indian selectors have also recalled left-handed batsman Shimron Hetmyer and fast bowler Oshane Thomas.
Fast bowler Jayden Seales and leg-spinner Yannic Cariah have been included following their rehabilitation from surgery while left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie is also included, having recovered from injury, according to Cricket West Indies.
“We welcome Oshane and Shimron back into the group,” Lead Selector, Desmond Haynes said.
“Both have played at the international level before, with some success, and we believe they will fit well into the set-up. Oshane brings pace and is a potential wicket-taker with the new ball. Shimron’s style of batting will offer a lot, especially in the middle stage of the innings and he is also a potential ‘finisher’.”
All three matches start at 9.30 a.m. local time.
The squad will also play against India in the T20 Internationals from August 3 to 13 to be held in Trinidad, Guyana, and Florida.
FULL SQUAD
Shai Hope (Captain)
Rovman Powell (Vice Captain)
Alick Athanaze
Yannic Cariah
Keacy Carty
Dominic Drakes
Shimron Hetmyer
Alzarri Joseph
Brandon King
Kyle Mayers
Gudakesh Motie
Jayden Seales
Romario Shepherd
Kevin Sinclair
Oshane Thomas
Really??? That is my only response to the Grand Bay comment. Bad behavior is definitely not a respecter of Parish, town or village.
As for Athanaze, I will continue to pour out my support on him as long as he is putting forth his best effort. I see no reason why he will not be a mainstay in the Windies set-up moving forward.
All indications are that Athanaze is a keen listener and fast learner who should continue to glean some valuable cricketing wisdom from the more experienced cricketers who “have been there and done that”.
As for Hodge, I see no good reason why the West Indies management continue to treat him like a plague and chop liver when it comes to allowing the effective allrounder to showcase his talents on the big stage. It’s not like there is a slew of players have been burning up the pitch for the West Indies lately.
Grandbaby people doe take BS from people.You cannot play the bouncer you get hit.I agree,Westindies does not play enough cricket as a team.Most of the Westindies cricket players play cricket all year round.Westindies cricketers are picked on where you come from and who you are.Dominica is no different.All world cup under 19 leading cricketers are drafted into their senior team at the first opportunity.Westindies is different,they pick out of form,out dated players and say,if you do pick them who you going.Presently none of the senior Westindies batsmen averaging 35.
Kavem Hodge is not a favorite of their it seems.
Ain’t only bad people come from grand bay big up to you youth man keep ur head up someone good came out from grand bay
@2pac
Long before you were born Grandbay has been producing people of good character, respectful and success oriented. Athanaze is not the first, and will not be the last.
Like every other community on island it has bad elements that you need ti expose.
The biggest problem that confronts both Kirk Mckenzie and Athanaze is that of not playing enough cricket. It’s crazy to end a test series in July and you are going to face Australia in January 2024, and no 4 or 5 days cricket in between.. Cricket West Indies should invite maybe one of the associate teams to play the Windies team in 4 or 5 days matches, before the Aussies test series i 2024.. They need to get the money to do so!!
Two test matches are still a small number of matches. The setup is such that the top teams India, Australia, England, NZ,etc, etc will always dominate. They are already the strongest teams, and they still play more cricket.
Windies cricket is in trouble!!
Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder are absent. Hmmmmmmmm. Interesting!!!
Wish the Windies up their performance in the ODI series. The test series was a total disaster, with just ONE player, (the captain), scoring more than 50 runs in a single innings.
By the way, Athanaze is now #77 on the ICC test batting ranking, with 407 points.
Wish the team well…!!