St John’s, Antigua – West Indies A Team captain Veerasammy Permaul believes that with support of the senior players in the team and a total team effort he can lead the regional side to victory over Bangladesh A in the First Digicel ‘Test’ at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds.
"I’ve played with most of the players in the team already and I’m comfortable with them, we have a good understanding and I am sure I will receive the full support of the senior guys so once the team goes out and gives 110% I believe we will come out on top," Permaul said after the West Indies A training session on Friday afternoon.
Permaul, originally named the vice captain, was thrust into the role of captain after Dwayne Bravo suffered an injury on Thursday.
"It’s really unfortunate that Bravo got injured, especially since he is such a senior player and we wish him a speedy recovery," the 22 year old left arm spinner said.
"Captaincy of the West Indies A Team is an honour and it gives me an opportunity to captain players who have played for the West Indies senior team and I will be looking to them for their support and advice as well," Permaul outlined.
Permaul said that his stint at the Sagicor High Performance Centre has better equipped him to be able to handle the rigours of leadership and to have several of his HPC teammates in the West Indies A Team is an added benefit.
Permaul also captains the Albion Cricket Team in Guyana which includes West Indies spinner Devendra Bishoo and Sewnarine Chattergoon and Narsingh Deonarine who have both played for the Windies team.
"Captaining guys who have played at the highest level back in my club team will help me in this role," Permaul reasoned.
"We have a good group of players in this A Team and it will be a learning experience for all of us and I think the key will be to go out and play tough cricket in all departments and we will prevail," Permaul said.
West Indies A squad for First Digicel ‘Test’
Veerasammy Permaul – Captain
Nkrumah Bonner
Carlos Brathwaite
Jonathan Carter
Rajendra Chandrika
Kyle Corbin
Shannon Gabriel
Sunil Narine
Nelon Pascal
Danza Hyatt
Andre Russell
Devon Thomas
Team Management
Head Coach – Hendy Springer
Assistant Coach – Stuart Williams
Team Manager – Colin Borde
Physiotherapist – Dr. Jacqui King-Mowatt
Strength and Conditioning Coach – Shannon Lashley
Bangladesh A Squad
Jahirul Islam (Captain)
Mohammed Mithun (Vice Captain)
Zunaed Siddique
Roqibul Hassan
Robiul Islam
Mohammed Sohrawordi
Shuvagata Hom Chowdhury
Nasir Hossain
Nasir Uddin
Faruque
Kamrul Islam Rabbi
Mominul Hoque
Nur Hossain
Shohag Gazi
Alauddin Babu
West Indies A v Bangladesh A Tour Schedule (with match officials appointments)
Nov 5 – 8 – 1st Digicel ‘Test’ – Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds
Match Referee: Vanroy Burnes
Standing Umpires: Luther Kelly and Clancy Mack
Stand by Umpires: Bernard Joseph
Nov 12 – 15 – 2nd Digicel ‘Test’ – Beausejour Cricket Grounds
Match Referee: Patrick Felix
Standing Umpires: Clancy Mack and Nigel Duguid
Standby Umpire: Maurice Francis
Nov 18 – 1st Digicel T20– Beausejour Cricket Ground
Match Referee: Patrick Felix
Standing Umpires: Clancy Mack and Nigel Duguid
Standby Umpire: Maurice Francis
Nov 19 – 2nd Digicel T20 – Beausejour Cricket Ground
Match Referee: Patrick Felix
Standing Umpires: Clancy Mack and Nigel Duguid
Standby Umpire: Maurice Francis
Nov 23 – 1st Digicel One Day – Arnos Vale Cricket Ground
Match Referee: Selwyn Allen
Standing Umpires: Nigel Duguid and Vincent Bullen
Standby Umpire: Goaland Greaves
Nov 25 – 2nd Digicel One Day – Arnos Vale Cricket Ground
Match Referee: Selwyn Allen
Standing Umpires: Nigel Duguid and Vincent Bullen
Standby Umpire: Goaland Greaves
Nov 27 – 3rd One Day – Arnos Vale Cricket Ground
Match Referee: Selwyn Allen
Standing Umpires: Nigel Duguid and Vincent Bullen
Standby Umpire: Goaland Greaves