Trinidad and Tobago Red Force pacer Jayden Seales has dubbed his debut selection to the West Indies Test squad “a dream come true”.
The 19-year old was the only newcomer selected by Cricket West Indies (CWI), on Tuesday, to a 13-member squad for the first Betway Test match against South Africa. The first Test bowls off at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia on Thursday.
Although only 11 players will be chosen to begin the two-match home series, Seales believes he has what it takes to break into the starting bunch.
“It’s a dream come through being in the setup and final 13 players selected. It was a goal of mine and it’s just a matter of me hoping that I get to play in the first Test match and do my best for the team.
“The nerves have not kicked in as yet. Probably on the day I may get some butterflies but as of now is to continue hard work in training and make sure everything is in tune,” he said during an online press conference.
Seales represented the maroon at the Under-19 World Cup last year and plays domestically for Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC). He made his T20 debut for the Trinbago Knight Riders at the 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League, taking eight wickets for 143 runs from six matches, and made his first-class debut in December for the WI ‘A’ against a New Zealand ‘A’ team.
Seales was also chosen as a developmental player for the first match against Sri Lanka in March 2021.
Despite his inexperience in the longest version of the sport, the youngster is confident that he has the right amount of experienced players and coaches around him to help him develop his game for the big stage.
“I didn’t play much first-class cricket but I think being around the setup and training with the team from New Zealand, until now, I think I’ve put in a lot of hard work and my body is ready.
“It’s just a matter to go out there now and perform with the team. The bowling coach (Alfonso Thomas) and I go through our routines every day making sure we get everything right. I’m ready to take on any task that the team asks of me,” he added.
Seales said he has never really tried to adapt to any other bowling style than his own. According to him, it came naturally.
“I was told that I have a similar action to (South African pacer) Kagiso Rabada. I just look at the old WI bowlers. Now, within the set-up, I work with Jason (Holder), (Kemar) Roach and Shannon (Gabriel) very closely and try to learn as much from them and take it into my game,” he said.
TT Red Force coach David Furlonge also expressed delight with Seales’ selection to the regional outfit.
The fast bowler previously plied his trade under the former QPCC coach and was also selected by Furlonge to represent TT at the Regional Super50 earlier this year.
TT went on to win that tourney with Kieron Pollard leading the troops. Furlonge credited Seales’ discipline and impressive work ethic for his recent successes.
“I’m really glad for him and he’s an example for all young cricketers to follow and see what hard work equals. He’s made up of h
