Ottley leads T&T U-19s in Jamaica
.... three newcomers named
June 22, 2009

Three newcomers have been selected on the T&T Under-19 team to participate in the TCL Group West Indies Youth Challenge in Jamaica from July 7 to August 6.

Promising opening batman Amir Khan, fast bowlers Teshawn Castro and Aneil Harrypersad are the new faces in the 14-member squad which will be led by allrounder Yannick Ottley. The team was chosen following a series of practice matches.

Ottley is one of five players, who were drafted from the T&T U-17 team on to the U-19 side in Barbados last year, after six cricketers were sent home for various disciplinary reasons.

The others were Nicholas Alexis, Rickson Maniram, Kissoondath Magram and Sachin Boodram. These players have also been selected on the T&T U-19 team, who will be defending its limited overs title in Jamaica.

T&T batting will be centered around Ottley, Yannic Cariah, Akeil Cooper, Evin Lewis, Aaron Alfred, Javed Boodram, Alexis and Boodram (Sachin).

The bowling will be headed by the right-arm spin sensation, Magram, with support from Castro, Harrypersad, Cariah and also Boodram (Sachin).

Manager of the team, William Wallace is confident that his charges will do well in the series, citing that a lot of future regional and international stars will emerge from this tourney.

“The team is well balanced. We have in-depth batting and of course we have many spinners to choose from and that is always an advantage for us. Preparations have gone well and in the coming days, prior to the team’s departure to Jamaica, mental development seminars will take place alongside regular training sessions ,” Wallace said.

“We have an intelligent captain Yannnick Ottley of Presentation College, Chaguanas, who has shown great leadership qualities. I am confident that we will bring back home some silverware.

“ Several players will emerge from this team and if they keep their heads on their shoulders, they can go on to play regional and international cricket,” Wallace added.

Former T&T and West Indies middle-order batsman, Larry Gomes will again perform the duties of coach.

T&T U-19 team:

Yannick Ottley (captain), Yannic Cariah, Akeil Cooper, Nicholas Alexis, Aaron Alfred, Amir Khan, Rickson Maniram, Javed Boodram, Evin Lewis, Kissoondathn Magram, Teshawn Castro, Sachin Boodram, Marc Panchu, Aneil Harrypersad.

William Wallace (manager), Larry Gomes (coach), Clinton Jeremiah (Physio).