Source: CNW
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — With the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup fast approaching, West Indies head coach Rohan Nurse has expressed strong confidence that his side is well prepared to compete when the tournament gets underway later this month.**
The regional squad will aim to end a decade-long wait for a second world title, having last won 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 programme, Nurse acknowledged that preparations had taken place against a backdrop of financial limitations. However, he emphasised that the team had adapted effectively and maximised the resources available.
“As it relates to preparation, things have 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 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 the preparation work is being done in the players’ local territories with the pathway coaches and franchises as well,” he added.
Results reinforce the process.
The nurse pointed to recent on-field success as validation of the new approach. Series victories against Sri Lanka and England, two traditional youth powerhouses, have strengthened belief within the camp and elevated expectations.
“Thus far, it has helped us because it played a major part in us having two series wins against Sri Lanka and England,” Nurse said. “Off the back of two outstanding 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.”
Captain Dorne emphasises trust and execution.
Team captain Joshua Dorne echoed his coach’s optimism, noting that the recent victories have injected confidence as the team transitions fully into World Cup mode.
“I think it is just for us to trust our preparation and know we are coming off two very good series wins,” Dorne said. “It is about trusting our routines and, as a leader, bringing the guys together on and off the field.”
Dorne stressed that consistent execution—underpinned by unity and discipline—will be key to converting preparation into performance.
Group D challenge ahead
The 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 build-up, 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 preparations complete, momentum established, and belief firmly in place, the West Indies Under-19s will head into southern Africa aiming not simply to participate but to contend for the title.