Nikita Miller, West Indies Under-19 assistant coach, believes the team’s wrist spinners offered the best slow-bowling tandem during the recent International Cricket Council (ICC) age group World Cup.

In a wide-ranging assessment after West Indies were eliminated at the Super Six stage, Miller told the
Jamaica Observer that left-armer Vitel Lawes and his right-arm spin bowling partner Micah McKenzie posed a unique twin threat to opposing teams.

Lawes, the 18-year-old from Jamaica, was the West Indies team’s leading bowler at the Under-19 World Cup, accounting for 10 victims at an average of 22.70 and economy rate of 4.93. The 19-year-old Antiguan McKenzie claimed seven wickets at 21.57 while conceding a miserly 3.87 runs per over.

“In my opinion they were the best spinners in the tournament,” Miller said when asked about the combination.

“They complement each other, where McKenzie is the one with more control, is more economical and constantly creates pressure. Lawes is a little bit more mysterious and is harder to pick (predict), and just that left-arm factor because left-arm wrist spinners are rare.”

The West Indies Under-19 team, guided by Head Coach Rohan Nurse and captained by Joshua Dorne, defeated Tanzania and South Africa during the tournament’s preliminary group stage. But sandwiched between those wins they suffered a loss to Afghanistan, forcing them to settle for second place in the group behind the Asian team.

The young men from the Caribbean defeated Ireland in their opening match of the Super Sixes. But a subsequent loss to 2024 champions Australia eliminated them from the tournament which was jointly hosted by southern African countries Zimbabwe and Namibia.

While Lawes’ wicket-taking performances landed him on the ICC’s team of the tournament — the only West Indian to make the cut — Miller reasoned that McKenzie was just as effective.

“They bowled mostly together during the tournament and complemented each other. There were times when Lawes had to hold while McKenzie attacked from the other end — it was really a joy to see them operating.

“When I looked at the other teams, I think those two were the best two in the tournament, though you had other spinners who did well,” the former West Indies and Jamaica left-arm finger spinner said.

Aside from Lawes and McKenzie, there were other players who stood out for West Indies.

Pace bowler Shaquan Belle, who grabbed 6-40 against South Africa, ended the tournament with eight wickets at 24.87. Pacer Jakeem Pollard also impressed, taking six wickets at 20.33.

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.

Looking back at the overall West Indies performance, Miller noted that they were hampered by the defeat to Afghanistan, denying them precious points which would have carried over into the Super Six stage.

“We were a little disappointed to miss out on a spot in the semi-finals, based on our form going into the tournament, winning series [last year] against Sri Lanka and England, respectively. The Afghanistan group game we lost was the point of the tournament that set us back,” he reflected.

“The fielding was below par. The batting was good in moments, with the likes of Zachary Carter and Jewel Andrew showing international pedigree, and delivering good performances for the team. Collectively, we weren’t consistent in the batting department. I was most impressed with our bowling, both spin and pace,” Miller added.

India Under-19s won the title after defeating England in the final on February 6. Afghanistan and Australia were the other semi-finalists.

Miller, who said it was a positive learning curve working with the head coach and players, noted that the quality within the West Indies squad was comparable to the tournament’s top four.

“The experience was good, it was educational, and I saw it as another opportunity to learn from a coach… in Rohan Nurse who has a teaching background.

“I think this group [of players] has a lot of international standard talent but merely having talent and ability is not a reserve ticket to success, something Junior Bennett, former Jamaica coach, used to say. So, I’m hoping CWI will invest in these boys and for the boys to do the same,” Miller said.

— Sanjay Myers

West Indies players celebrate the dismissal of Ireland’s Adam Leckey during the Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Super Six match at HP Oval in Windhoek, Namibia, on January 25, 2026. (Photo: ICC/Getty Images)

West Indies Under-19 spinner Vitel Lawes (Photo: ICC/Getty Images)