West Indies cricket still has immense global appeal and ought to be saved from sliding into obscurity, says former player Nikita Miller.

The Jamaican, who represented West Indies at the senior level in all formats, was one of the regional team’s assistant coaches at the recent International Cricket Council Men’s Under-19 World Cup co-hosted by southern African countries Zimbabwe and Namibia.

West Indies Under-19s missed out on a place in the semi-finals after they were eliminated at the Super Six phase. India won the tournament after defeating England in the final on February 6.

However, the former spin bowler told the Jamaica Observer that on a whole he was encouraged by the performances from the regional youngsters against the backdrop of the decline of West Indies as a global force in recent decades.

“Over the past few years cricket has been on the down in the Caribbean and some people are losing interest and all the rest of that. But what I saw at the World Cup — and being with these youngsters since last August, September, thereabouts — is a lot of promise,” said the 43-year-old Miller.

“There are fast bowlers, spinners, and batters who I believe are at international standards. There is still talent in the Caribbean — yes, the pool might be smaller — but there is still talent.

“So, if all of the stakeholders can come together and have some input and invest in cricket it can be massive for us and we can get back to where we once were. I’m encouraged by what I’ve seen with these youngsters — they’re matched up with all the other international youngsters,” he said.

West Indies Under-19s, guided by Head Coach Rohan Nurse and captained by Joshua Dorne, lost to Afghanistan in the preliminary group stage. But on either side of that loss they defeated Tanzania and South Africa to finish second behind Afghanistan in Group D.

The young men from the Caribbean defeated Ireland in their opening match of the Super Sixes. But a subsequent loss to 2024 champions Australia knocked them out of the tournament.

Wicketkeeper/batsman Jewel Andrew, who has West Indies senior team experience, led the Under-19s batting with 211 runs at an average of 42.2. Left-hand opening batsman Zachary Carter, who was the only West Indian century maker during the tournament, tallied 197 runs at 39.4.

Left-arm wrist spinner Vitel Lawes led the West Indies bowling with 10 wickets at 22.70, followed by pacer Shaquan Belle (eight wickets at 24.87) and right-arm wrist spinner Micah McKenzie (seven wickets at 21.57).

Miller recalled travelling during the tournament and encountering a South African who professed to be a fan of West Indies cricket. He said the fan likened West Indies cricket to Brazil’s high esteem in international football.

“We are regarded in the world of cricket – outside of the Caribbean — as something special, so we need to do something, especially at the grassroots level,” he added.

“It’s just for us to find a way to bridge that gap between Under-19 and [senior] level because we have the talent. So hopefully, with all the stakeholders, Cricket West Indies and the fans, everybody can come together and keep pushing because we can’t allow it to die,” Miller reiterated.

The West Indies’ lone Under-19 World Cup title was in 2016.

— Sanjay Myers

MILLER… hopefully, with all the stakeholders, Cricket West Indies and the fans, everybody can come together and keep pushing because we can’t allow it to die (Photo: CWI Media)

West Indies Under-19 spinner Micah McKenzie (Photo: CWI Media)