Yannic Cariah was all smiles as he arrived at the Metricon Stadium for his first training session in Australia. On a cool afternoon he joined team-mates during an intense training session on the scenic Gold Coast. Cariah arrived in Australia as part of the first group of West Indies players to touch down, Down Under. The all-rounder is on his first overseas tour with the men’s senior team and expressed great delight to be part of the 15-member squad.
“I’m feeling really great to be in the group for the upcoming series as well as the T20 World Cup to follow. We touched down and the work has started. It is a great honour to represent the people of the region at any level. I’m here and ready to go… any challenges I’m ready for it,” he said.
The right-handed leg-spinner and left-handed batter announced himself on the international stage with a well-crafted half century in the CG United ODI Series against New Zeeland in August. He made topscored with 52 in his first knock at Kensington Oval.
“The way I performed against New Zealand gave me confidence. Now we’re here in Australia … this is my first time playing here… First, I want to get use to the conditions, as we are a long way from home, and then maintain my processes and look to perform ion the big stage. I was doing a lot of fitness work at home and sharpening up my skills. I have played a lot of cricket with many members of the team, so I’ve fitted in quite well.”
West Indies will face Australia in a two-match T20 International Series in Queensland before the ICC T20 World Cup. The opening match is Wednesday at the Metricon Stadium in the Gold Coast and the second at The Gabba in Brisbane on Friday. First ball is 7pm local time (5am Eastern Caribbean/4am Jamaica Time).
Cariah previously played for West Indies Under-19 at the ICC World Cup 2010 in New Zealand and was captain of the West Indies Emerging Players when they won the CG United Super50 in 2019.
MATCH SCHEDULE
Wednesday 5 October: 1st T20I at Metricon Stadium
Friday 7 October: 2nd T20I at The Gabba
(West Indies Cricket)
