BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Members of the High Performance Centre (HPC) who play Zimbabwe in a three-day match from today have been encouraged to use the game as an opportunity to advance their cricket career.

HPC head coach Graeme West has urged the players to use performances to make statements during the contest at the Desmond Haynes Oval at the Carlton Cricket Club complex.

West also wants the emerging West Indies players to also showcase what they have learnt in the programme.

“We are certainly looking forward to the game,” West told WICB Media on the eve of the match.

“This is a chance for the players and the Sagicor HPC to showcase what we have been doing and what we are all about since the players came into the programme last June.”

The Sagicor HPC head coach gave the advice to the emerging players as they prepared for action against their more experienced counterparts.

“Every player recognises what this game provides for them and we want to see a positive approach,” said West.

“This is a big opportunity to make a statement. We have players who have come back from their territories having performed well [in Regional Four-Day and Super50] and we have players who have played a few rounds, as well as others who are looking for an opportunity.”

West Indies players Marlon Samuels and Kemar Roach have been named to play alongside the members of the Sagicor High Performance Centre.

Both teams will be allowed to use 13-players-per-side with 11 allowed to bat.

“We want to be as competitive as possible and put Zimbabwe under some pressure,” the HPC head coach said.

“We know that will certainly help the senior team for the first Test next week.”