Dominican cricketer named to Windies senior team to face South Africa; PM offers congratulations

Alick Athanaze

 

Dominican cricketer, Alick Athanaze, has been named to the 15-member West Indies team to face South Africa in the upcoming two-Test Series.

Although the news has been floating on social media for a day or two, the official announcement was made on Tuesday.

Athanaze, who is presently the captain of Windward Islands Volcanoes, along with Akeem Jordan of Barbados Pride are two newcomers on the team.

According to West Indies cricket selectors both “demonstrated good form in the first two rounds of the current four-day West Indies Championship.”

Lead selector for the West Indies cricket team, Desmond Haynes, said based on Athanaze’s performance in the past, he should be given the opportunity to play on the senior level.

“Athanaze is one of the young players who we have invested in, and he played well in the ‘A Team’ and CWI President’s XI,” he said, according to windiescricket.com. “He showed great promise in the CG United Super50 last year and then got his first hundred in the West Indies Championship last week. We believe he should be given an opportunity at this level. He has also showed leadership, as captain of the Windwards at the start of this season.”

He becomes the latest cricketer from Dominica to play Test matches for the senior Windies team, joining the likes of Grayson Shillingford, Irving Shillingford, Norbert Phillip, Adam Sanford and Shane Shillingford.

The cricketer, who hails from Grand Bay, has played remarkably well since he began his cricket career.

In the recently concluded 2023 West Indies Championship, he scored 41 and 51 against Trinidad & Tobago Red Force in Round 1 and followed up with a career-best 141 against Guyana Harpy Eagles in Round 2, according to westindiedcricket.com.

He was also one of the outstanding players in the 2018 ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup.

He made his List A debut for the West Indies Under-19s in the 2016–17 Regional Super50 on 25 January 2017.

Athanaze has been on the radar of Windies selectors after tasting West Indies A honours against Bangladesh A in 2022.

The Windies team will arrive in South Africa on February 17 and will play two Tests at SuperSport Park in Centurion (28 February to 4 March) and the Wanderers in Johannesburg (8 to 12 March).

Me9anwhile Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has congratulated Athanaze following his selection to the West Indies Test team.

 “This is a momentous achievement for young Athanaze, the Windward Islands Volcanoes Captain, who hails from the community of Grand Bay,” the Prime Minister said in a Facebook post. “The Government and People of Dominica are immensely proud and stand in full support of Athanaze as he joins the regional side for the tour of South Africa, which bowls off on February 28.”

 He continued, “Just off his first century in regional First Class cricket earlier this month, Athanaze’s selection is yet another gratifying moment for local cricket fans who have tracked his rise over the years.”

 Prime Minister Skerrit added, “We celebrate with him. Very best wishes for his continued success!”

 The West Indies team is due to arrive in South Africa on February 17. They will face South Africa in two Test matches at the Super Sport Park in Centurion ( February 28 — March 4) and Wanderers in Johnannesburg ( March 8 — 12).

Following the Tests, West Indies will then play a white ball series. The squads for these will be named at a later date.

FULL SQUAD

Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain)

Jermaine Blackwood (Vice Captain)

Alick Athanaze

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

Roston Chase

Joshua Da Silva

Shannon Gabriel

Jason Holder

Akeem Jordan

Alzarri Joseph

Kyle Mayers

Gudakesh Motie

Raymon Reifer

Kemar Roach

Devon Thomas

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37 Comments

  1. Lin clown
    February 17, 2023

    For your information Mr g walls The CLOWN represented Dominica at the senior level.That is the CLOWN played Windward island cricket for Dominica at the senior level.The CLOWN also represented Dominica and carried the Dominican flag in something other than sports.That is called National Service and patriotism.At that time cricketers did not beg government for anything.If you know so much about cricket,why are mentioning Skerrit?Typical UWP blaming Skerrit for their stupidity.

    • Trubador
      February 20, 2023

      Hohohoho, that’s a good one. Have you taken over from Mr. Telemakak as Chief Shyster? Boy, Dominicans funny people for sure and they got the right leader as well.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  2. JAH KAL
    February 16, 2023

    Congratulation young man it’s was long over due. Dominica did’nt see your potential but other people did ,after making record in the west indies under nineteen competition by scoreing the most runs they drop you from the side.
    Now we have more selecters in dominica than india, left to them you would be a nobody like those that were before you .
    But discipline and hard work paid off codos to you young star make me proud . Thats from a former dominica and windward island player ,there is plenty money out there to be made go get your share we played for nothing.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  3. Lin clown
    February 16, 2023

    In our days of playing cricket in Dominica,we did not wait for help from government.We worked hard,cut our grass.prepared our wicket,got sponsers,and our own money(DROP) to buy cricket gears and organized cricket matches.Today a few lazy idiots are foolishly blaming Skerrit for their laziness.St.Joseph has produced more than 50 national cricketers,the St.Joseph playing field is still there.Every playing field is better under Skerrit.The problem is people are no longer interested in sports.The village cricket tournaments were not organized by government.The Emerald cricket league was not organized by government.The Augustus Gregoire cricket league was not a government thing.The village under 19 cricket league was not a government thing.Since UWP lost the election in 2000,they have encourage young people to develop a negative,and lazy attitude.It is a good thing Alick Athanaze never listened to the blue losers.Again CONGRATULATION to Athanaze.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 2 Thumb down 11
  4. February 15, 2023

    Young man I do not know you but from my heart I wish you the very best in your endeavor. When I hear others who know you talk about you their comments remind me of myself. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately I did not make it to the highest heights in cricket, but cricket is still and remain part of my life. No other sport comes first before cricket and most of all my brother there is a financial fortune in the sport. Take your time, continue to listen and adopt good advice and make first of all your parents happy like the decent others before you. Take your time and God bless you and your parents. And Thanks much to Devon Smith and others in Grenada. And monsieur Skerritt don’t take any honors in that. If it were for your sake the young man would not have made it to Grenada.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 3
  5. Dedits
    February 15, 2023

    To be fair they made the correct decision in the end .when you have exceptional talent like Alick,truth be known he should have been training in around that squad from age 19.I know about talent and how to nerture it .I was a top sportsman for those who don’t know.

  6. Lin clown
    February 15, 2023

    Kavem Hodge was picked on the Westindies team to tour Bangladesh,he did not play,but he was on the team.Athanaze was picked on the Westindies team,he is not sure to play,he is in the squad.There is a difference between being picked and playing.There is a 15 man squad for the two tests,not all will play.I hope this young man play both tests,because he is pure CLASS.Everything that happens to Dominica in and out of Dominica is Skerrit’s business.After Maria,while Skerrit was rebuilding Dominica with his blood,sweat and tears,UWP lazy bums were rejoicing at the islands destruction.Today all you want to tell Skerrit what he should do and not do.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 1 Thumb down 12
  7. Uno Bandito
    February 15, 2023

    It is a doggonne shame that every DNO article, regardless of subject matter, generates negative or politically tinged responses?

    It is obvious that les miserables here are true to their name and wretched spirit and therefore cannot find it within themselves to leave the vitriol inside to offer a simple “Congrats or Well done” to Mr. Athanaze.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 9 Thumb down 19
    • February 15, 2023

      There have to be negative political comments especially when the fake Roosevelt Skerrit puts his mouth in issues like this. The young man would not have made it nowhere under Skerritt captaincy. Infact he would be an NEP looser.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 2
      • me
        February 16, 2023

        I cant agree with you more..100%.
        Oops its LOSER and not LOOSER!

    • me
      February 15, 2023

      While you are blogging your nonsense you must visit some of our playing fields, including Geneva.
      You dont want to hear that Skerrit is an evil human being? Guess you are just like him.Maybe one of those VOWAS, that won’t get satisfied.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 1
    • ???
      February 16, 2023

      @Uno Bandito
      From what you have written, seem like you won’t listen to the calypso
      Chi-Chi Bang Bang? OR
      Speak the truth, ou tay tomatay!
      Will you?

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
    • Lawyer
      February 17, 2023

      Bandito, not all of us are like you and suffer in silence and wait for the next handout from the dictator. There are still people left in Dominica that have some pride and don’t worship this monster for a few rotten dollars. I hope this clarifies the status quo somewhat. Your political spin doesn’t work on us either. If anything you are a member of that ‘les miserable gang’ that is headquartered in Morne Daniel.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  8. L C Matthew
    February 15, 2023

    Congratulations! Shake off the inferiority complex believe you are and will be the best batsman out there, own it and find what makes you confident and comfortable on field. It is your moment to grasp and no one but yourself can. Prevent you from reaching your full potential.

    Cease the moment!!!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 1
  9. Lin clown
    February 15, 2023

    Yes Mr Red ants,Athanaze learned to play cricket in Grenada.You UWP people are on q95 morning,noon and night trying to bring down young sports people.I wonder why Mr Red ants you did not refere to Athanaze as a Grenadian from Grandbay Dominica.The two under 19 ladies who made the Westindies cricket team are also Grenadians.Than is why people like you are losers.You have failed,and like you,you expect all Dominica to fail.You UWP people cannot stand progress,that is why in your lying,crooked and traitorous head you see Dominica going nowhere.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 1 Thumb down 8
  10. RandyX
    February 15, 2023

    Why doesn’t Skerrit mind HIS business. How about getting electoral reform sorted out, how about accounting for the CBI proceeds? The young man will do HIS job just fine. Why don’t you do YOUR job properly? We pay you plenty of money.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 7
    • Ibo France
      February 15, 2023

      Roosevelt wants to steal the young man’s glory. He must steal the moment. Nothing but a greedy, selfish, shameless glutton.

      Why doesn’t he publicly offer words of sympathy to console the parents of those sons and daughters who are murdered in cold blood?

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 3
      • February 16, 2023

        And if he had kept his mouth quiet and said nothing, not even congratulating the young man, you would still have had something negative to say. Skerrit is still the Supreme leader of Dominica, like it or not. He is going nowhere. He is here to stay. Do you want another snap election? And if he had offered words of sympathy to console parents whose sons and daughters are murdered in cold blood, you and Francisco Telemaque would have told to him to shut up. What is it going to take coming out of Skerrit’s mouth to ease your sorrow and your jealousy? And if you reside in America, have you reached out to those parents whose sons and daughters and babies are murdered everyday in cold blood?

        Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 1 Thumb down 9
  11. TOULABA L C CUFFY
    February 15, 2023

    This statement is not totally cricket. “He becomes the latest cricketer from Dominica to play Test matches for the senior Windies team, joining the likes of Grayson Shillingford, Irving Shillingford, Norbert Phillip, Adam Sanford and Shane Shillingford.” Athanaze is the latest cricketer from Dominica to be called up for test duties for the West Indies Senior team. Hodge was selector and toured Bangladesh but did not play.

    • me
      February 15, 2023

      selector OR selected?

  12. Lin clown
    February 15, 2023

    The first time I saw the young man walk across the wicket and hit a pitched up ball through the covers for 4,I knew he was Westindies material.Congratulation is good.The government should make sure this young man get a double lot in Grandbay and a vehicle. Congratulation young fella.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 4 Thumb down 14
    • February 16, 2023

      why didn’t you say that the government must ensure and provide good sporting facilities to promote others to follow. don’t worry, he will take his loan and buy his lot. that’s all people like you Lin clown want is for Skerrit to give give give

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  13. February 15, 2023

    All the very best Mr. Alick. And congratulation.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  14. Country Bumpkin
    February 15, 2023

    Way to go Alick! The West Indies are riding the momentum of their 2nd Test victory over Zimbabwe.

    South Aftica will be a tougher nut to crack for sure. Motie and the other Windies spinners may have to toil a bit harder to extract any true spin from the traditionally pace friendly South African pitches. This means there is a chance that twin fossils Roach and Gabriel might make a Lazarus like resurgence.

  15. Zandoli
    February 14, 2023

    Congratulations to Alick Athanaze.
    I have one question about the team selection: What is Blackwood still doing on the team? He is good for a solid 15 to 25 runs. This is not the kind of performance we expect from a specialist batsman. The guy has played over 50 test matches and averages only 30 runs ( and they made him vice captain)

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
    • Hmmmmmm
      February 15, 2023

      @Zandoli
      Well presently West Indies batting is very poor. We have NO world ranked top batsman or batsmen.. That’s why he is there. What are the averages of the other batsmen.? He seem better than most.
      Leave him where he is!!!

      • Zandoli
        February 15, 2023

        He is the vice captain, which means, unless he is stripped of his vice captaincy, his selection is guaranteed.
        I would sooner make the wicket keeper vice captain. At least he is doing the job that is required of him.
        No batsman with his current lack of form should be vice captain.

  16. Bwa-Banday
    February 14, 2023

    Congratulations my fellow countryman. Hard work pays even when the selectors try to look the other way to the BIG Islands boys. Go make us proud!

    Note of caution, its ok for the fake PM to congratulate you as a fellow Dcan but pleaseeeeeeee stay away fa far, very far away from that red kool-aid before its too late. We cant afford to loose another promising young man in the form of “valuable” human sacrifice.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 3
  17. Channel 1
    February 14, 2023

    Congratulations to batsman Alick Athanaze. Safe journeys to South Africa and all the best in the series.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  18. Ibo France
    February 14, 2023

    Congratulations Mr. Athanaze. Do your best to maintain your position in the squad. God’s richest blessings to you.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  19. High Stepper
    February 14, 2023

    Congrats Alick!!! Go out and shine in the middle and on the field.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  20. OneLove
    February 14, 2023

    PM thought when he legalized ganja he would daykalay all young people but Arthanaze was smart enough to run out of Dominica

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
    • February 16, 2023

      Why don’t you run as well so he won’t daykalay you? Stupid and ignorant to the utmost. Grenada has its problems just like Dominica does. No difference. What is your point? Almost everyday somebody in Grenada gets murdered.

      Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 0 Thumb down 11
  21. I still Red
    February 14, 2023

    I too congratulate young Arthanaze for his test selection, less than a week after his first century in first class cricket. He has a very good head and no doubt a very bright future ahead. I wish him good success and really hope he is not only selected in the final 11, but when he gets there I want him to carry his good form over and score plenty runs for West Indies. I even see him as a future West Indies captain in the very near future.
    I hope Skerrit doesn’t take any credit because had the young man not moved to Grenada to reside Skerrit and the cabal would kill his dream just as they have killed the dream of many young Dominicans. In fact real cricket aka club cricket has been absent in Dominica the last decade. Yes I still red but you all know I call a spade a spade

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
    • February 16, 2023

      Did he tell you he was taking credit for anything? All he did was to congratulate the young man on the occasion. What is it do you want Skerrit to do for you and your family to make you happy once and for all? Why don’t you move to Grenada to reside, that way Skerrit would not kill your dream? Whilst you are there send us some nutmeg and spice. I do not think you have any dreams in life to kill. Skerrit would not waste his precious time on a nonentity like you.

      Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 0 Thumb down 10
  22. Roland Mitchell
    February 14, 2023

    Congratulations

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 6 Thumb down 8

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