With the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup fast approaching, West Indies head coach Rohan Nurse has expressed firm confidence that his side is equipped to compete strongly when the tournament gets underway later this month.
The regional squad will be seeking to end a decade-long wait for a second world title, having last lifted the trophy in 2016. This year’s edition, co-hosted by Namibia and Zimbabwe, begins on January 15.
Navigating constraints with innovation
Speaking recently on the Mason and Guest radio program, Nurse acknowledged that preparations had unfolded against a backdrop of financial limitations. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the team has adapted effectively and maximized available resources.
“As it relates to preparation, preparation has gone as well as we could have hoped, given the financial constraints that we are experiencing at the moment,” Nurse said.
He explained that the coaching staff had adopted a revised preparation model, shifting much of the workload to players’ home territories in collaboration with pathway coaches and franchise systems.
“We have adapted a slightly different model from the past where the majority of preparation work is being done in the players’ local territories with the pathway coaches and franchises as well,” he added.
Results reinforce the process
Nurse pointed to recent on-field success as validation of the approach. Series victories against Sri Lanka and England, two traditional youth powerhouses, have bolstered belief within the camp and sharpened expectations.
“Thus far it has helped us because, obviously, it would have played a major part in us having two series wins against Sri Lanka and England, so we are quite happy with how that process is going and off the back of two very good series performances, there are high hopes in terms of what this team can achieve and we are quite happy with preparations and the construct of the side going into Namibia,” Nurse said.
Captain Dorne emphasizes trust and execution
Team captain Joshua Dorne echoed his coach’s optimism, noting that the recent victories had injected confidence as the team transitions into World Cup mode.
“I think it is just for us to trust our preparation and know we are on the back of two very good series wins,” Dorne said. “It’s just about trusting our preparation, our routines and me as a leader bringing the guys together on and off the field.”
Dorne stressed that consistent execution, underpinned by unity and discipline, would be key to translating preparation into performance.
Group D challenge awaits
West Indies have been placed in Group D, alongside South Africa, Afghanistan, and Tanzania. The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, raising the stakes from the opening round.
As part of their final buildup, the team will contest warm-up matches against Ireland on January 10 and Japan on January 13. Their World Cup campaign officially begins against Tanzania on January 15.
With preparation complete, momentum established, and belief firmly in place, the West Indies Under-19s will head into southern Africa aiming not merely to compete, but to contend.
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