Windies ‘A’ look to continue progress

Captain of West Indies ‘A’ Kieran Powell views the third and final unofficial Test against England Lions as an ideal opportunity for the regional side to claim progress in their development as a team.

The three-match series has the West Indies with an unassailable 2-0 lead after victories at Trelawny Stadium and Sabina Park.

The third matchup, which will be played as a day and night affair, will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, starting today.

“The last game is an opportunity for us to complete the sweep, and that is what we will be focusing on,’’ said Powell.

“It’s a day-and-night contest, so that in of itself will offer a few challenges. However, given our performances so far, I back us to rise to the occasion.’’

The showdown will see the West Indies looking to build on their narrow two-wicket win in their opening game and a convincing innings and 17-run triumph in the second.

West Indies Test left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, who has been out of international cricket for two years, has so far been key to the successes of the regional side with 20 wickets, and is again expected to lead the charge.

AVERAGE PERFORMANCE

His spin partner off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall has also been outstanding with 14 wickets and is expected to provide support, while the regional selectors and coaching staff, given the average performances of pacers Keon Joseph and Jeremiah Louis, may opt for a change.

The 26-year-old Joseph had figures of one for 39 and none for seven in the first fixture before following up with none for 16 and none for 45.

Louis, 21, and playing in his debut West Indies A series, has so far recorded claims of one for 27, none for five, none for 10 and none for 27.

Batting wise, the Floyd Reifer-coached unit, will be hoping for the continuation of the good form of West Indies Test wicketkeeper, Shane Dowich, who has series high scores of 119 and 43, along with middle-order batsman Jahmar Hamilton, who scored a century in the second game.

“We have had quite a few players who have come up with match-winning performances with both bat and ball, and that is what is needed,’’ said Powell.

England, in the meantime, according to captain Keaton Jennings, will be hoping to end the season on a positive note.

“We have not ticked off most of the necessary boxes required for us to win. It is something that we are aware of and hope to change.’’