… Guyana All-rounder Jonathan van Lange has been appointed vice-captain

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – After leading the West Indies Under-19s to series wins over Sri Lanka and England, Joshua Dorne will captain the side at next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) made the announcement in a press release on Wednesday, with Dorne set to lead a 15-member squad at the World Cup, which will be held in Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6, 2026.

The 19-year-old Dorne was at the helm when the Windies defeated Sri Lanka 4-3 in August and trounced England 5-2 in September.

All-rounder Jonathan van Lange has been appointed vice-captain of a strong team that also includes Jewel Andrew, the youngest player to represent the senior team in T20Is and ODIs, as well as Zachary Carter, Matthew Miller, Jakeem Pollard, Shaquan Belle and Vitel Lawes, who all played starring roles during both home series.

Micah McKenzie, who made his List A debut for the West Indies Academy against the Sri Lanka Emerging Men’s team in June, along with 16-year-old Shamar Apple, who was drafted into the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad for the recently concluded CG United Super 50 Cup, have also been named in the squad.

CWI’s High Performance Manager, Dwain Gill explained that the team was selected following a thorough process.

“This squad is the product of a deliberate and well-structured preparation and selection process. Performances in regional Under-17 and Under-19 competitions were closely monitored, with an emphasis on identifying players with specialist skills and the adaptability required for international cricket.”

“In assembling this group, we have aligned their development with the style of play we expect at the senior level, ensured exposure to high-quality match opportunities and placed a strong focus on leadership, tactical awareness and individual support within their territories,” Gill said.

“The result is a balanced and competitive squad, well positioned to perform at the Under-19 World Cup and contribute meaningfully to the long-term future of West Indies cricket.”

West Indies have been drawn in Group D alongside South Africa, Afghanistan and Tanzania. All group matches will be played at the High-Performance Oval in Windhoek, Namibia.

Ahead of the tournament, they will play warm-up matches against Ireland and Japan in Windhoek.

The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six phase followed by the Semi-Finals on February 3 and 4, and the final on February 6 at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.

SQUAD

WEST INDIES UNDER-19s: Joshua Dorne (captain), Jewel Andrew, Shamar Apple, Shaquan Belle, Zachary Carter, Tanez Francis, R’jai Gittens, Vitel Lawes, Micah McKenzie, Matthew Miller, Isra-el Morton, Jakeem Pollard, Aadian Racha, Kunal Tilokani, Jonathan Van Lange.

RESERVES: Brendan Boodoo, Tyriek Bryan, Earsinho Fontaine, Deshawn James.

MANAGEMENT UNIT: Rohan Nurse (head coach), Jerome Taylor (assistant coach), Nikita Miller (assistant coach), Kwayne Dalrymple (physiotherapist), Shayne Cooper (strength & conditioning coach), Dr Dwain Archibald (team doctor), Clint St Hill (manager).