Sunil Ambris included in West Indies test squad

The consistency of Vincentian batsman Sunil Ambris has been rewarded with a place in the West Indies cricket squad for a two-test series in New Zealand, beginning later this month.

The first test is set for the Basin Reserve in Wellington, bowling off November 30.

Before that though, the team will be in Brisbane, Australia, for a training camp, until November 21.

The full West Indies team is Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite (vice-captain), Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dorwich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kieron Powell, Raymon Reifer, and Kemar Roach.

The 24-year-old right-handed Ambris is the only change to the regional team, which last week won their two-match test series 1-0, against Zimbabwe.

Ambris replaced Kyle Hope, who had scores of 16, 43 and 1, in his three knocks against the Zimbabweans.

On the other hand, Ambris playing for West Indies A versus Sri Lanka A in three unofficial tests in Jamaica, notched up scores of 106, 29, 41, 101 and 1.

A former West Indies Under-15 and Under-19 player, Ambris made his senior West Indies team debut last September, making 38 not out.

If Ambris is handed his test debut in New Zealand, he will be the second Vincentian batsman to do so for the West Indies.

The first was the late Alphonso “Alfie” Roberts, who appeared in one test, back in March 1956. In his lone match, Roberts made 28 and 0.

Following him were Michael Findlay, a wicketkeeper, along with fast bowlers Winston Davis, Ian Allen, Cameron Cuffy, Nixon Mc Lean and Kenroy Peters, who have all played test cricket for the West Indies.

Two other Vincentian born players, Wilf Slack and Neil Williams (both deceased), represented England in test cricket.