Mikyle Louis: First Kittitian to Earn West Indies Test Selection for England Tour
A Historic Moment for Cricket Enthusiasts in St. Kitts
Mikyle Louis has made history by becoming the first player from St. Kitts to be selected for the West Indies Test squad for the upcoming three-Test Richards Botham series against England. The squad was announced on Tuesday afternoon.
The Squad Composition
The 15-member squad, led by Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Vice-Captain Alzarri Joseph, features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. Mikyle Louis, a 23-year-old former West Indies U19 International, has earned his first international selection after an impressive debut First Class season for the Leeward Island Hurricanes.
The Squad’s Preparation
The West Indies team will arrive in England on June 23 for a preparatory training camp at Tonbridge School. They will also play a four-day warm-up match at Beckingham starting on July 4, in readiness for the series.
Confidence in the Squad
CWI Lead Selector, the Most Honorable Dr. Desmond Haynes, expressed confidence in Louis and the squad’s overall composition: “The squad has been shaped with both experience and emerging talent, ensuring a strong balance as we face the challenge of playing in English conditions. Mikyle Louis has earned his place through consistent performances and hard work. We are confident that this blend of seasoned players and emerging faces will perform admirably against England.”
The Squad’s Features
The squad includes the returning fast bowler Jayden Seales, who missed the last series against Australia due to injury, and experienced all-rounder Jason Holder, who has rejoined the team after being unavailable for the previous tour. The squad also features:
- Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain)
- Alick Athanaze
- Joshua Da Silva
- Jason Holder
- Kavem Hodge
- Tevin Imlach
- Alzarri Joseph (Vice-Captain)
- Shamar Joseph
- Mikyle Louis
- Zachary McCaskie
- Kirk McKenzie
- Gudakesh Motie
- Kemar Roach
- Jayden Seales
- Kevin Sinclair
Supporting the Players
Supporting the players is a dedicated management unit led by Head Coach Andre Coley, along with Team Manager Rawl Lewis and Assistant Coaches Jimmy Adams, Rayon Griffith, and Shaun Tait.
The West Indies’ Mission
The West Indies, current holders of the Richards Botham Trophy following their 1-0 home Test series win in March 2022, will aim to defend their title in this historic rivalry that dates back to 1928. The squad’s last Test match was a triumphant victory in Australia earlier this year, and all selected players have since participated in the West Indies Championship, which concluded in April with the Guyana Harpy Eagles emerging as champions.
Development Player
Additionally, 19-year-old fast bowler Isai Thorne will travel with the squad as a development player, following an impressive debut First Class season.
Conclusion
Mikyle Louis’s selection is a historic moment for cricket enthusiasts in St. Kitts, and the West Indies team is poised to make a strong impression in the upcoming series against England.
FAQs
* Q: Who is Mikyle Louis?
A: Mikyle Louis is a 23-year-old former West Indies U19 International who has been selected for the West Indies Test squad for the upcoming series against England.
* Q: What is the significance of Louis’s selection?
A: Louis is the first player from St. Kitts to be selected for the West Indies Test squad, making him a historic figure in the cricket world.
* Q: Who is leading the West Indies team?
A: The West Indies team is led by Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Vice-Captain Alzarri Joseph.