Windies ‘A’ ready for Lankans

The series acts as a forerunner for the two-Test series between the senior teams of the two nations next month, and provides several players to put their names in the frame for that contest.

For West Indies "A" players like captain Daren Ganga, vice captain Narsingh Deonarine, Carlton Baugh, Jr Marlon Samuels, Dwayne Smith, Tino Best, Jermaine Lawson, Dave Mohammed, Dave Bernard, Jr., and Dwight Washington, it’s a chance to prove to the selection panel that they are worthy of another Test spot.

The other members of the side all have a chance to provide long-lasting solutions to some of the problems that have beset the senior team, and they know it.

The West Indies selectors have left two places open in the 15-member senior squad for players that might fit the bill from the A-Team.

"Our team was selected based on the performance of the players in our top domestic tournament," remarked West Indies "A" captain Daren Ganga.

"The team is a blend of youth and experience. About ten of us have played at the highest level. We hope to do well here and get into the senior team."

Ganga warned the Sri Lankans that they should not take either the "A" Team or the senior team lightly.

"This is a good opportunity for us to do extremely well here," he said. "We’ll have a good chance to enter the senior squad as the selectors have kept the door open. We hope to win here, as seven of our players have played here before."

"The senior side is going through a bad patch due to inconsistent performances. Both on and off field factors have contributed to the fluctuating fortunes of Caribbean cricket, but we should not be taken for granted."

Russel Arnold, the Sri Lanka "A" captain, said his team was a balanced one as there are a few players who have played for the senior national side, but he was not all that upbeat about his team’s preparations.

"Our practice sessions have been hampered by rain," he said. "Luckily, we completed a practice match. That’s been very helpful. We look forward to playing in Dambulla where we hope the weather will be fine.

"I am happy with my own form and hope to get some big scores. I intend to play in the national team soon."

Sri Lanka "A" have a few injury problems ahead of the first match, but still have plenty of depth from which to choose.

Players like Avishka Gunawardena, Michael Vandort, Kaushal Lokuarachci, and Dilhara Fernando have all made an impression, though not long lasting, on senior international cricket when they have been given the chance previously.

Squads:

SRI LANKA "A": Russel Arnold (captain), Prasanna Jaywardena (vice captain), Avishka Gunawardena, Ian Daniel, Michael Vandort, Jehan Mubarak, Gayan Wijekoon, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Suraj Mohamed, Dilhara Fernando, Priyankara Silva, D. Lokuhettige, Sajeeva Weerakoon, Malintha Gajanayake.

WEST INDIES "A": Daren Ganga (captain), Narsingh Deonarine (vice captain), Carlton Baugh, Ryan Ramdass, Xavier Marshall, Marlon Samuels, Dwayne Smith, Runako Morton, Dave Bernard Jnr., Dave Mohammed, Nikita Miller, Dwight Washington, Tino Best, Jermaine Lawson, Kerry Jeremy.

Itinerary

JUNE—

23-26: First "Test" - Dambulla

JUNE 29-JULY 2: Second "Test" - Colombo (Havelock)

5-8: Third "Test" - Colombo (Saravanamuttu)

11: First limited-overs match - Moratuwa

13: Second limited-overs match - Colombo (Maitland)

15: Third limited-overs match - Colombo (Nondescripts)

17: Fourth limited-overs match - Moratuwa

19: Fifth limited-overs match - Colombo (Nondescripts)