BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — West Indies Under-19 coach Roddy Estwick said that his side’s upcoming series against Australia Under-19s in the United Arab Emirates gives some of the players a head start towards gaining a place in next year’s Youth World Cup on home soil.

The side departed on Wednesday for their brief series against Australia Under-19s in Dubai.

“We have a good team, a well-balanced team, and we believe we will do well against the Australians on this trip to Dubai,” said Estwick.

“We have selected a group of young men who we believe will represent the West Indies well on the field and will be outstanding ambassadors off the field.”

He added: “This tour will serve as part of our preparations for the next World Cup in Australia in the middle of next year.

“The aim is to get as much exposure at the international level, so the players will be fully aware of what is required.”

Estwick highlighted the inclusion of Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell, who played in the World Cup last year in New Zealand, and felt they both have important roles to play.

“We are focusing on the development of our players. This is a great opportunity for these young men to showcase their talents,” he said.

“I have spoken to them and they are all looking forward to the opportunities.”

He said: “It is an honour to represent the West Indies at any level. When you represent the West Indies, you have to put your best foot forward, and remember that you represent the people all across the Caribbean.

“This is what I will be telling the players. I want to make sure they know who they are representing and what their responsibilities are.”

West Indies Under-19s will play a four-day youth “Test” and three youth “One-day Internationals” against the Australia Under-19s at the Global Cricket Academy.