West Indies Cricketers Joshua Bishop and Shamarh Brooks Selected for Academy Tour of Ireland

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the squad for the upcoming West Indies Academy tour of Ireland, scheduled from June 8th to June 29th, 2024. The tour will comprise five matches, including three 50-over matches and two four-day matches against Ireland's Emerging Men's Team.

West Indies cricketers Joshua Bishop and Shamarh Brooks have been selected for the academy squad. Nyeem Young will continue as captain, with Teddy Bishop as vice-captain for both formats. The other members of the squad include Kadeem Alleyne, Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste, McKenny Clarke, Joshua James, Jordan Johnson, Leonardo Julian, Johann Layne, Ashmead Nedd, Kelvin Pitman, Ramon Simmonds, and Carlon Tuckett.

CWI's Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, stressed the significance of exposing the academy players to various opposition and conditions across different formats to aid their development and cultivate resilience and adaptability. "This tour is part of our efforts to provide our academy players with opportunities to play against different teams and in different conditions," Bascombe said.

The coaching and support staff accompanying the squad include Head Coach Ramesh Subasinghe, Assistant Coach Rohan Nurse, Physiotherapist Neil Barry, Strength & Conditioning Coach Shayne Cooper, and Manager & Team Analyst Kesh Ramphal.

Joshua James, a 23-year-old from Tobago, has played 6 first-class, 5 List A, and 4 T20 matches since his debut in September 2021. Leonardo Julien, a 22-year-old, has played 21 List A and 4 T20 matches since his debut in October 2018. Their selection for the academy tour highlights their potential and the opportunities provided by CWI to nurture young talent.

Why this matters: The West Indies Academy tour of Ireland serves as a vital platform for emerging West Indian cricketers to gain international exposure and develop their skills. The tour reflects CWI's commitment to investing in the future of West Indies cricket by providing young players with opportunities to showcase their abilities and learn from experienced coaches and support staff.

The upcoming tour is a reciprocal visit following Ireland's visit to the West Indies in November 2023. It presents an essential opportunity for the emerging talents to showcase their skills, gain valuable experience, and contribute to the development of West Indies cricket. The selection of Joshua Bishop and Shamarh Brooks, along with other promising players, underscores CWI's focus on identifying and nurturing the next generation of West Indian cricketers.

Key Takeaways

• CWI announces West Indies Academy squad for Ireland tour in June 2024.
• Tour includes 3 ODIs and 2 four-day matches against Ireland Emerging Men's Team.
• Nyeem Young to captain the squad, with Teddy Bishop as vice-captain.
• Tour aims to expose academy players to different opposition and conditions.
• Selection of Joshua Bishop, Shamarh Brooks, and other young talents highlights CWI's focus on nurturing future cricketers.