Windies U19 coach hails teen tons as tournament approaches

WINDHOEK, Namibia (CMC):

In an exclusive interview on the Mason and Guest radio show on Tuesday, West Indies Under-19 head coach Rohan Nurse issued a ringing endorsement of his team’s preparations and singled out two of its youngest stars for special praise, following a dominant warm-up victory over Japan.

The fixture, part of the ICC U19 World Cup preparations, saw the Caribbean side post a formidable total, built on the back of spectacular centuries from 16-year-old Shamar Apple and 17-year-old Tanez Francis.

The performance was the kind that coaches dream of, heading into the real stuff, which starts today against Tanzania.

“It was a very good opportunity for the batters to spend some time in the middle,” Nurse stated. “We’re pleased to have two of the younger members of the team batting throughout.”

He highlighted the contrasting but equally effective styles of the centurions. Francis, the young Antiguan from Jennings, displayed immense grit and maturity, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 122 from 148 balls.

“He showed good character and the ability to bat through the innings and manage it well,” Nurse said.

At the other end, the prodigiously talented Apple unleashed a breathtaking assault, smashing 124 from just 65 deliveries at a strike rate of 190.1.

His whirlwind knock included 10 fours and eight sixes. “Apple played his natural game, which propelled him,” Nurse remarked admiringly.

The coach provided insight into the two teenagers’ backgrounds. Apple, who models his game on mentor Sherfane Rutherford, has already caught the eyes of senior selectors, having been part of the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad for the recent Super50 Cup.

“He has natural, very good ball-striking ability, and it’s just about guiding that raw talent,” Nurse explained.

Francis, a “very, very hard worker”, earned his place after strong performances against England and in regional age-group tournaments.

“He does provide a very good foil for a lot of the other batters,” Nurse noted, emphasising the value of his stability at the top of the order.

The bowling attack mirrored the batters’ dominance. R’Jai Gittins produced a brilliant spell, claiming four for eight from four overs, while Vital Laws supported with three for 28 from eight.

The performance was particularly welcome after a rain-affected first warm-up game denied the bowlers time in the middle.

Nurse acknowledged the challenging conditions the squad is adapting to, with the intense heat, humidity, and high altitude.

“The oxygen in the air is a bit thin, and it is taking a little bit of time to acclimatise,” he admitted, but praised the players’ and staff’s diligent work ethic in overcoming these hurdles.

With two comprehensive warm-up performances under their belt, coach Nurse believes his young charges are ready. “We are well prepared,” he affirmed. “Pretty much, now is the time.”