ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — Cricket West Indies (CWI) has congratulated Vitel Lawes for his outstanding showing in the recently concluded ICC Men’s Under-17 World Cup, which led to his selection to the Team of the Tournament.

The 18-year-old left-arm spinner grabbed 10 wickets in five matches at an average of 22, and was the only West Indian named in the 12-member team.

Director of cricket at CWI, Miles Bascombe said Lawes’ performance was a reflection of the abundance of talent in the region.

“Vitel’s selection to the ICC Under-19 World Cup Team of the Tournament is richly deserved and reflects both his individual quality and his growth as a cricketer.

“Throughout the tournament he showed maturity beyond his years, tremendous skill, and an excellent understanding of his role — all culminating in the ability to strike at important times against quality opposition,” Bascombe said.

“Performances like these underline the value of our youth development pathways and give us great confidence in the next generation of West Indies players.”

Lawes said being named to the team is a major achievement, describing it as a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.

“It was an excellent tournament for me. Besides the team lifting the trophy, I couldn’t ask for anything better in a World Cup. It was a once in a lifetime experience. Before the tournament I promised myself that I would give it 110 per cent every game, and I think I did that as best as I could,” Lawes said.

“Being named in the Team of the Tournament is a very big achievement for me. In the Sri Lanka series last year I only took one wicket — and at one point I was questioning if I was going to make the World Cup team. To come from such a low moment, this is a tremendous feeling; and to be the only West Indian makes it even more special for me, the region and my country. I feel like I represented my region and country very well in the circumstances.”