Jayden Seales

Jayden Seales will return to West Indies training following his rehabilitation. The fast bowler last played for West Indies in the first Test at the Perth Stadium, last December. He had knee surgery in December and has subsequently been working on a rehabilitation programme overseen by the CWI Medical Team.

The training squad includes several players who are uncapped at the Test level – including batsmen Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, and Kirk McKenzie; as well as fast bowlers Akeem Jordan, and Jair McAllister.

The camp will be held at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua with training starting on Friday 30 June. The squad for the opening Test will be named at a later date and will travel to Dominica on Sunday 9 July.A

The Cycle Pure Agarbathi Test series will be the first fixtures for both West Indies & India in the new 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship. The first Test will be at Windsor Park, Dominica from 12-16 July which will be followed by the historic second Test on 20-24 July at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad – marking the 100th Test match between West Indies and India.

 SQUAD:  Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Alick Athanaze, Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Kavem Hodge, Akeem Jordan, Jair McAllister, Kirk McKenzie, Marquino Mindley, Anderson Phillip, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican

TEST MATCH SCHEDULE:

Cycle Pure Agarbathi Test Matches (start at 10am local time, (9am Jamaica time))

12-16 July: 1st Cycle Pure Agarbathi Test Match, Windsor Park, Dominica

20-24 July: 2nd Cycle Pure Agarbathi Test Match, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad

Campbell, who is hoping to retain his place in the West Indies team for the Test series against Sri Lanka later this month, scored 129 from 253 balls from which he hit 15 fours and three sixes in his more than five-hour stay at the crease.

He partnered with Captain Roston Chase to put on a fourth-wicket stand of 183 after Jayden Seales and Preston McSween had combined to reduce the side to 53-3. Seales accounted for the wickets of Shayne Moseley for three and Sunil Ambris for a duck to have Chase XI in trouble early at 12 for 2.

Campbell and Nkrumah Bonner then put on 41 for the third wicket before McSween dismissed the latter for 16.

Campbell and Chase took the score to 236 when Chase fell to Kavem Hodge for 75. He struck 10 fours in the innings that lasted for 208 minutes during which he faced 159 deliveries. Campbell eventually fell to the bowling of Rahkeem Cornwall after he and Jermaine Blackwood had put on 16 for the sixth wicket.

Blackwood, meantime, remained unbeaten on 18 at the close. Imran Khan is with him on three.

Seales, who also dismissed Raymon Reifer for 2, was the best of the bowlers taking 3-42 while McSween, who claimed the wickets of Bonner and Jahmar Hamilton returned figures of 2-40.

In the match that was reduced to 14 overs because of rain and a wet outfield, Jaffna Kings scored 181-6 on the back of 53 from Avishka Fernando, whose 23-ball innings included seven sixes and Thisara Perera, who hit six sixes and two fours in his 21-ball knock of 53.

Shiraz Ahmed was the best of the Warriors’ bowlers taking 3-23 that included the wickets of both Fernando and Perera.

However, Chaturanga de Silva’s 21 from just 10 balls helped the lower order push Kings to their winning total.

Needing to score at near 13 runs an over for victory, Warriors got good starts from Kennar Lewis and Charith Asalanka, who put on an opening partnership of 64 in six overs. Asalanka scored 42 from just 19 balls before he was dismissed by de Silva.

In his last match before joining the West Indies for international duties in Pakistan, Powell came to the wicket in the seventh over and together with an out of sorts Lewis, who was mainly a spectator in the second wicket partnership of 81 runs. Powell scored 61 of those smashing two fours and seven sixes. His 50 came up in 15 balls, the second-fastest in the LPL.

Warriors got to 145-1 and were in with a good shot at winning needing 36 from 16 balls when Suranga Lakmal got Powell with a Yorker that crashed into his leg stump sending it flying.

The Warriors innings stalled after that as Jayden Seales, who had been taken to the woodshed in his second over that went for 22, returned to take the wickets of Kamindu Mendis for nine and Lewis for 41 to effectively end the contest.

Seales ended with figures of 2-40 from his three overs.

The only consolation for Powell was the pats on the shoulder from the Kings’ players and his teammates as he walked dejectedly into the dressing room.

The loss means that Warriors sit at the bottom of the table winless after three games. The Kings, which were getting their second win are on four points, the same as leaders Galle Gladiators and third-placed Dambulla Giants.

However, he has asked for the public to be patient with the team’s batsmen, whom he believes will eventually deliver to their full potential.

Seales, 19, took eight wickets in the recently concluded first Betway Test against Pakistan at Sabina Park that the West Indies won by one wicket. During the Pakistan second innings, Seales took career-best figures of 5-55 and became the youngest West Indies bowler to take five wickets in an innings as the West Indies bowled the visitors for 203.

He and Roach then stitched together an unbroken 10^th wicket partnership of 17 to lead the West Indies to victory.

During a virtual press conference with the media on Monday, Roach said he believes Seales has a bright future.

“He has come into the family. I have the greatest hopes for him. He is a good student. He listens, he works really hard and he is learning every day,” Roach said, highlighting that Seales is yet another member of a talented group of bowlers that the West Indies have at its disposal.

“Obviously, with Shannon (Gabriel) back when he is ready, myself, Jason (Holder), him (Seales); Alzarri is there and there are a couple of other guys in the Caribbean, Chemar Holder, Keon Harding, Preston McSween; we have a really good corps fast bowlers coming through.

“So, I believe in any one of them at any point in time, once given the opportunity will get the job done. They just have to stay together, keep working hard, keep communicating and keep working on their skills. I don’t see no limit when it comes to our bowling attack challenging any Test line up so there is a great future for us in the fast bowling department for sure.”

With regards to the batsmen, especially those in the top order, Roach asked for patience.

“We don’t have a huge pool of batsmen in the Caribbean, so we have got to try and believe in these guys. They have the capabilities; we all know they do. It’s just about applying themselves and believing in themselves some more,” he said.

“I am totally behind them. We talk. As bowlers, we usually give them information about how best to handle situations from a bowling point of view. They work hard. One thing about this team is it’s a very hard-working team.

“It’s a lot of work being put in behind the scenes. I really feel for the batsmen because I know the work they do and it’s about time they get some returns so people can see it, but that time will come.”

In a marathon innings lasting 257 balls, the 23-year-old da Silva scored 100 not out as the West Indies chasing England’s first innings score of 204, made 297 all out in the third and final Apex test in Grenada.

He was the sheet anchor in key partnerships of 33 with Kyle Mayers, 49 with Alzarri Joseph, 68 with Kemar Roach and 52 with Jayden Seales to help the West Indies recover from a precarious 95-6 into a position of ascendancy.

For Lara, it was a joy to watch.

“The discipline and mental strength this young man showed was admirable. The partnerships with the lower order to get us into this winning position is what Test cricket is all about,” said Lara, who is currently in India as the batting coach for IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The man who scored a mammoth 11953 runs from 131 Tests for the West Indies also lavished praise for da Silva’s teammates as well.

“It will be remiss of me not to congratulate all the batters and bowlers that fought throughout the series culminating into this on the brink of a series win against England. I salute the captain for his tenacity throughout the series with the bat and his leadership,” said the proud West Indies icon.

“To all players and staff, I commend you and at the same time urge you to continue working on having the appetite to go out there on the battlefield for all five days of a Test match giving your all each and every single time you don the burgundy cap. At the end, you will lose some, draw some and win a lot more but more importantly, you will understand what Test cricket is all about.”

At the time of publication, the West Indies were chasing 28 runs for victory after bowling England out for 120 on Sunday.

Kyle Mayers took a career-best  5-18, Kemar Roach 2-10 while there was a wicket each for Jayden Seales and Alzarri Joseph.

Test matches between these two rivals date back to 1928 when the West Indies made their first trip to England.  The Teams now compete for the Richards Botham Trophy, named in honour of West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards and England great Lord Ian Botham.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite will continue his leadership role, with fast bowler Alzarri Joseph again serving as Vice-Captain. The team is scheduled to arrive in England on 23 June for a training camp at Tonbridge School, ahead of a 4-day warm-up match at Beckingham commencing on the 4 July. 

CWI Lead Selector, the Most Honorable Dr. Desmond Haynes, expressed confidence in the squad's composition.

“The squad has been shaped with both experience and emerging talent, ensuring a strong balance as we face the challenge of playing in English conditions. Over the past year, our red-ball program has continued to develop. Following our victory in the last Test in Australia in January, it is evident that we are seeing the fruits of that investment. Each player selected has earned their place through consistent performances and hard work. We are confident that this blend of seasoned players and emerging faces will perform admirably against England.”

Young Fast Bowler Jayden Seales returns to the squad having missed the last Test Series against Australia due to injury and experienced all-rounder Jason Holder has earned a recall having made himself unavailable for the last tour. 

There is also a first international selection for 23-year-old opening batsman Mikyle Louis. 

Louis, a former West Indies U19 International, scored 682 runs in his debut First Class season for the Leeward Island Hurricanes at an average of 48.71. Should he debut for the West Indies in England, he will become the first Kittitian to wear the famous Maroon test cap.

The West Indies 15-member test squad is as follows:

1. Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain)
2. Alick Athanaze
3. Joshua Da Silva
4. Jason Holder
5. Kavem Hodge
6. Tevin Imlach
7. Alzarri Joseph (Vice-Captain)
8. Shamar Joseph
9. Mikyle Louis
10. Zachary McCaskie
11. Kirk McKenzie
12. Gudakesh Motie
13. Kemar Roach
14. Jayden Seales
15. Kevin Sinclair

These players will be supported by the following team management unit: 

• Head Coach - Andre Coley 
• Team Manager - Rawl Lewis 
• Assistant Coach - Jimmy Adams 
• Assistant Coach - Rayon Griffith
• Assistant Coach - Shaun Tait 
• Physiotherapist - Dr. Denis Byam
• Strength & Conditioning Coach - Ronald Rogers 
• Team Masseuse - Fitzbert Alleyne 
• Team Analyst - Avenesh Seetram  

West Indies' last test match was a resounding victory in Australia earlier this year. Since then, all selected players were involved in the West Indies Championship, which concluded in April and was won by the Guyana Harpy Eagles. 

19-year-old fast bowler, Isai Thorne will travel with the squad as a development player, following impressive performances in this debut First Class season taking 31 wickets at average 16.29 in his first eight matches.

The West Indies are the current holders of the Richards Botham Trophy following the 1-0 Home Test Series win in March 2022.

Louis, the 23-year-old, comes into the team on the back of a brilliant season for the Leeward Islands in the 2024 West Indies Championship where he scored 682 runs in 14 innings at an average of 49.

He is coming off a first innings half-century in their warm-up game against the County Select XI last week.

Retaining their places in the order are Kirk McKenzie at three, Alick Athanaze at four and Kavem Hodge at five.

McKenzie and Athanaze scored three half-centuries between them in the warm-up fixture last week while Hodge scored a brilliant hundred so all three are coming into the first Test in some good form.

Also making their return to the West Indies test team after missing the Australia series in December are former Captain Jason Holder and young pacer Jayden Seales.

Both Holder and Seales recently enjoyed successful County Championship stints for Worcestershire and Sussex, respectively.

Gudakesh Motie will be the lone spinner in the XI while Holder and Seales will be joined in the pace attack by Alzarri and Shamar Joseph.

Josh a Da Silva also retains his place behind the stumps.

The full XI is as follows: Kraigg Brathwaite (C), Mikyle Louis, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph

The win, their third of the tournament, saw the Caribbean lads top Group B with the maximum six points. The young West Indians had previously won their matches against Australia and England.

On Thursday, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, the Caribbean side racked up a mammoth 303 for 8 from their 50 overs, their best score in the tournament so far.

The score was built largely on half-centuries from captain Kimani Melius, who scored 65 and allrounder Matthew Patrick, who top-scored with 68. The latter and Joshua James, who scored a 30-ball 43, put together a 90-run seventh-wicket partnership that propelled the West Indies to their mammoth total.

There were two wickets each for Peter Aho (2-53), Abdulrahman Jimoh (2-56) and Sylvester Okpe (2-66).

In the face of the huge total, Nigeria crumbled to 57 all out.

Jayden Seales (4-19) tore the top order taking their first four wickets to fall as the Nigerians stumbled to 23 for four, four balls into the ninth over.

They never recovered as Ashmead Nedd (3 for 15) and Patrick (2 for 16) ripped out any resistance that might have remained within the Nigerian batting that only managed to survive for 21.4 overs.

Jimoh (17) and Okpe (10) were the only batsmen in double figures.

Seales played a leading role in the team’s one wicket over Pakistan earlier this week, in the process of securing his first-ever five-wicket haul.  In the process, he also made history by becoming the youngest West Indies bowler to achieve the feat at 19 years and 336 days.

With many already predicting a big future for the young player, however,  Seales himself believes it is important to keep both feet firmly planted on the ground.  Over the last few years, several young fast bowlers have threatened to make the breakthrough for the Caribbean team but have seen their development stalled at various points.

“It’s just for me to stay in the moment.  I will ride the fame and everything, but for me, it’s about continuing to work on my game.  I’m not where I want it to be.  I’m not the finished product.  I know I can be better,” Seales told members of the media on Tuesday.

“It’s just for me to work on my game a little more, build on the things I want to improve on, build from there and eventually become better.”

In three matches so far Seales has claimed a total of 13 wickets.

The second match of the two-Test series will begin on Friday at Jamaica’s Sabina Park.

Phillip, 27, bowling his right-arm fast, had West Indies batsman and Volcanoes top scorer Alick Athanaze, who made 56, in his five for 37 from 13 overs, including four maidens. He got support from fellow seamer Jayden Seales, with 2-48, and spinner Khary Pierre, who had 3-21, as they combined to restrict the tournament-leading Volcanoes for 191.

The Red Force in reply closed in a decent position at 89-1, still 102 runs behind with Vikash Mohan, on 34, and Jyd Goolie, on one, to resume batting on Thursday’s second day.

Scores: Windward Islands Volcanoes 191 all out (53 overs); Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 89-1 (27 overs)

After winning the toss and bowling first, the decision proved fruitful as Phillip accounted for Jeremy Solozano (eight) and Kavem Hodge (28), while Seales removed Johann Jeremiah (14).

Sunil Ambris (35) and Athanaze gradually repaired the innings, before the former, who had five boundaries and a six in his 30-ball knock went caught off Pierre.

Tevyn Walcott (28) tried to stick around with Athanaze, but eventually holed out to Jason Mohammed off Seales. Athanaze, who struck 10 boundaries in his 84-ball 56, went soon after, as he was trapped in front by Phillip and the Volcanoes innings crumbled from there.

Returning opening batsman Kjorn Ottley led a tidy stand with Mohan, but fell just shy of welcome half-century, as he went for 47 off 74 balls, including seven boundaries.

In other games, Leeward Islands Hurricanes trail Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners by 253 with nine first innings wickets intact at Frank Worrell Field in Trinidad and Tobago.

Scores: Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners273 all out (Amari Goodridge 75, Sadique Henry 73, Romario Greaves 58, Yannick Ottley 24; Daniel Doram 4-37, Jeremiah Louis 3-54, Rahkeem Cornwall 3-86); Leeward Islands Hurricanes 20-1

At Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, Guyana Harpy Eagles batted all day against Barbados Pride.

Scores: Guyana Harpy Eagles 231 for five (Kevlon Anderson 87, Tevin Imlach 55, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 40, Matthew Nandu 28; Jason Holder 2-29) vs Barbados Pride.

Meanwhile, Jamaica Scorpions trails Cricket West Indies Academy by 304 with all first innings wickets standing at Sabina Park.

Scores: CWI Academy 324 all out (Joshua Dorne 83, Jordan Johnson 61, Kadeem Alleyne 52, Joshua James 36, Rashawn Worrell 25, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett 24; Ojay Shields 3-38, Derval Green 3-48, Abhijai Mansingh 2-69); Jamaica Scorpions 20 without loss.

TKR have also confirmed the retention of Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Akeal Hosein and Jayden Seales.

The Knight Riders have also secured the services of Dwayne Bravo who will be returning to the franchise from the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. They will also have Mark Deyal as part of their setup in 2023 with the batter joining the Knight Riders from the Saint Lucia Kings.

The decision to retain the aforementioned players is good news for Head Coach Phil Simmons.

“We are very happy to be able to retain most of the Caribbean players from last year’s TKR squad. The experience of Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Nicholas Pooran coupled with Dwayne Bravo’s return gives our squad a very strong core,” the former West Indies head coach declared.

“In youngsters like Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales, and Mark Deyal, we have some of the best young talent from Trinidad representing TKR.

“We’re looking forward to the remaining international signings, and I am excited by the player draft coming up soon to complete the roster and put together a strong squad for CPL 2023.”

The overseas players and draft picks will be announced during the Republic Bank CPL draft show which will be broadcast at the end of June. 

The tournament gets underway on 16 August with the final taking place on 24 September. There will be matches in Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago.

The West Indies, after starting the day 145-4, were eventually dismissed for 233 in 91.5 overs, trailing South Africa by 124, after the day’s first two sessions were rained out.

Jason Holder and Kavem Hodge, the not our batsmen overnight heading into the day, made 36 and 25, respectively while Jomel Warrican made a significant contribution with 35* batting at number 10.

Maharaj was causing consistent problems for the West Indies batsmen, eventually taking 4-76 off an impressive 40 overs while Rabada took 3-56 off 18 overs.

At stumps, South Africa reached 30-0 off five overs in their second innings, leading the West Indies by 154 runs. Tony de Zorzi was 14* and Aiden Markram 9*.

Full Scores:

South Africa 357 off 117.4 overs (Temba Bavuma 86, Tony de Zorzi 78, Wiaan Mulder 41*, Kyle Verreynne 39, Jomel Warrican 4-69, Jayden Seales 3-67, Kemar Roach 2-53) & 30-0 off 5 overs

West Indies 233 off 91.5 overs (Keacy Carty 42, Jason Holder 36, Kraigg Brathwaite 35, Mikyle Louis 35, Jomel Warrican 35*, Keshav Maharaj 4-76, Kagiso Rabada 3-56)

Set 186 for victory, the Red Force ended Friday’s third day at 10-2, with Jyd Goolie, on two, and Bryan Charles, who is yet to get off the mark, at the crease.

Earlier, the Volcanoes, who resumed at 68-2 from overnight, were eventually bowled out for 288, as Jeremy Solozano (70) and Sunil Ambris (71) both posted well-played half-centuries, with all-rounder Shamar Springer (40) being the next best scorer.

Jayden Seales led the Red Force bowlers with 3-45, to end with match figures of 5-93, after a first innings tally of 2-48. Fellow pacer Anderson Phillip, who had 5-37 in the first innings, backed that up with 2-65, to end with figures of 7-102, while spinners Khary Pierre and Charles ended with identical second innings figures of 2-67.

However, Pierre’s match figures are 5-88, after he took 3-21 in the first innings.

Scores: Windward Islands Volcanoes 191 (Alick Athanaze 56, Sunil Ambris 35, Kavem Hodge 28, Tevyn Walcott 28; Anderson Phillip 13-4-37-5, Khary Pierre 3-21, Jayden Seales 2-48) & 288 (Sunil Ambris 71, Jeremy Solozano 70, Shamar Springer 40, Ryan John 34; Jayden Seales 3-45).

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force 294 (Tion Webster 107 not out, Jason Mohammed 56, Vikash Mohan 52, Kjorn Ottley 47; Kenneth Dember 22-2-63-5, Shamar Springer 3-76) & 10 for two.

Trailing the Red Force by 35 runs on resumption, Solozano and Alick Athanaze batted positively to start the day, but the latter added only 18 to his overnight 10 before he was trapped in front by Charles.

However, Solozano pushed on from 30 overnight to post a 192-ball 70, which includes 11 boundaries, as he partnered with Ambris to balance the innings and gift Volcanoes a glimmer of hope of securing victory.

After Solozano went bowled by Seales, Ambris took up the mantle in a more aggressive display, as he slammed nine fours and one six in his 97-ball knock.

When Ambris and Tevyn Walcott (zero) fell in quick succession, it was left for Springer and Ryan John to carry the fight which they did to some extent. Springer smashed six fours in his 40 off 98 balls and John had four boundaries in his 34 off 51 balls, as the innings fell apart shortly after their dismissals.

Meanwhile, Red Force would have hoped for a good start, but the loss of openers Vikash Mohan (one) and Kjorn Ottley (two), means they will have to bat positively on the final day in their bid to condemn the Volcanoes to a first defeat of the campaign.

In other games, Leeward Islands Hurricanes require 301 runs for victory in their contest with Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners at the Frank Worrell Field in Trinidad and Tobago.

Scores: Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners 273 all out (Amari Goodridge 75, Sadique Henry 73, Romario Greaves 58, Yannick Ottley 24; Daniel Doram 4-37, Jeremiah Louis 3-54, Rahkeem Cornwall 3-86) and 301 (Kjorn Ottley 99, Odain McCatty 37, Sadique Henry 32, Zishan Motara 30; Rahkeen Cornwall 4-62, Jeremiah Louis 3-59).

Leeward Islands Hurricanes 259 all out (Kieran Powell 114, Jeremiah Louis 31, Justin Greaves 29, Rahkeem Cornwall 22, Jahmar Hamilton 21; Romario Greaves 19.2-1-63-5, Zishan Motara 2-14, Jediah Blades 2-50) and three without loss.

At Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, Barbados Pride require 312 for victory over Guyana Harpy Eagles.

Scores: Guyana Harpy Eagles 436 all out (Veerasammy Permaul 90, Kevlon Anderson 87, Kevin Sinclair 72, Tevin Imlach 55, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 40, Gudakesh Motie 37, Matthew Nandu 28; Kemar Roach 2-52, Jason Holder 2-52, Jomel Warrican 2-98) and 136 for eight decl. (Kevlon Anderson 33, Kevin Sinclair 25; Jomel Warrican 3-32)

Barbados Pride 230 (Jonathan Drakes 101, Shane Dowrich 41; Nial Smith 3-54) and 31 without loss.

The 22-year-old hasn’t represented the West Indies in the format since the first Test against Australia back in December 2022.

Overall, he’s taken 37 wickets in 10 Tests at an average of 24.24 and a strike rate of 42.9 with one five-wicket haul coming against Pakistan at Sabina Park in 2021.

He missed the rest of that Australia series after suffering a knee injury that required surgery.

He made a successful return to the Windies setup in an ODI series in August 2023 against India but then faced another spell on the sidelines after sustaining a shoulder injury while touring South Africa with the West Indies A team last November.

This season, Seales has played in all five matches for the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force in the ongoing West Indies Championship, taking 11 wickets.

The West Indies next Test assignment will be three games in England from July 10-30.

“Of course,” was the quick’s response when asked whether he views this County Championship stint as an opportunity to get back into the squad for that series in an interview with Sussex.

“Obviously being able to play first-class cricket back home and now getting the opportunity to play in England, it will help me hone my skills in English conditions and, hopefully, the management is watching and I’m putting in the performances that I need to get back into the Test side,” he added.

The first Test of that series will be played at the ground commonly referred to as ‘the home of cricket,’ Lord’s cricket Ground.

Playing at this ground is the dream of a number of cricketers and Seales is no exception.

“Definitely. I think every cricketer’s dream is to play in England and play at Lord’s. I know the first Test will be there so I’m definitely hoping to get into the squad for that series and start in that Test,” he said before proclaiming his preference for Test cricket over other formats.

“Test cricket is always the first choice for me. I’d always love to play Test cricket for the West Indies at any given time. White ball cricket will come around at any time but I want to focus on the red ball first,” Seales added.

Seales is set to make his County Championship Division Two debut when Sussex faces Northamptonshire at Hove.

With the championship scheduled to begin next month, Red Force coach David Furlonge confirmed the news, as he revealed that Shannon Gabriel is also on the mend.

Seales, who sustained a knee injury in December 2022, overcame that setback after a successful surgery, but was again placed on the sidelines by his current injury, which he sustained during the West Indies A team tour of South Africa late last year.

The injury ruled the 22-year-old out of selection for the current West Indies tour of Australia, and he will be out of action a little bit longer.

“They are coming along. Jayden will most likely be out for the first three games. They have been training every day while the three-day game was going on, so they are coming along, but we don’t think Jayden will be ready for the first three games of the season,” Furlonge shared in an interview with Trinidad Express.

Neither Gabriel nor Seales featured in the trial match at Preysal, but both were at the venue going through their paces and rehab work.

“We have a fitness test on Monday and then they will get ready for the North/South,” Furlonge noted.

On that noted, Furlonge pointed to the positives, as he highlighted a few players that shone during the three-day trial encounter and is anticipating similar efforts in the four-day North/South Classic which bowls off on Thursday at the National Cricket Centre.

“I think the contracted players did well and it shows that they have been putting in the work. We are coming together well.

“The top order batters [Kamil Pooran and Kjorn Ottley] got some runs but one or two other players didn’t get off. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we can see everybody getting runs and big scores as we go into the tournament,” Furlonge said.

“The contracted bowlers did well but we also saw Aamir Ali getting some wickets as well, and Jacen Agard bowling well although he didn’t get wickets. So, it was good to see these young bowlers playing hard and defending a small total in the second innings.

“We want to see the game last four days and we want to see some good performances and consistency from the players. We also want to see the guys putting out the effort and playing with passion,” he added.

The 20-year-old has been a revelation for the regional team, since making his debut against South Africa earlier this year.  In four games so far, the young bowler has claimed 16 wickets, including a five-for against Pakistan in August.

On debut, Seales impressed with his ability to swing the ball at pace and also the consistency and quality of his length deliveries. 

“I was satisfied with my performances in my debut series and the series after that but it just for me to look to build on those performances now and try to improve in the areas that I can improve in,” Seales told members of the media on Saturday.

On his first overseas tour, the bowler faces unfamiliar conditions on the subcontinent, which typically favours spin bowlers, but he remains determined to try and make an impact.

“For me it’s just about trying to go out there and execute my plans as best as I can, to try and work with the conditions and see what I can get done for the team.”

Captain Luke Procter led the way with 92 while Indian Karun Nair contributed 57.

Procter’s knock lasted 225 balls and included eight fours and one six while Nair faced 104 balls and hit seven fours and one six.

West Indian pacer Jayden Seales, in his first appearance in the County Championship, has, so far, taken 3-64 in his 20 overs.

The 22-year-old removed openers Emilio Gay (5) and Justin Broad (27) before removing middle order batsman George Bartlett for 27 in the 82^nd over.

James Coles has provided good support for Seales with 2-19 from 8.3 overs.

Seales took 1-54 from 14 overs in the first innings as Derbyshire were bowled out for 246 in 63.3 overs after Sussex won the toss.

Luis Reece (50), Blair Tickner (47) and Aneurin Donald (44) were the top run-scorers against 2-6 from James Coles and 2-65, each, from Ollie Robinson and Fynn Hudson-Prentice.

Cheteshwar Pujara then starred with the bat with 113 off 186 balls as Sussex piled up 479 off 109.4 overs in their first innings.

James Coles (72), Tom Alsop (64) and Tom Haines (58) provided good support for Pujara against three-wicket hauls from Daryn Dupavillon and Jack Morley.

Seales then produced an excellent spell of bowling to help restrict Derbyshire to just 109 all out in 26 overs.

He took 5-29 from his eight overs, taking his tally this season to 18 in four games. Danny Lamb also bowled well with 2-10 from four overs.

Full Scores: Derbyshire 246 off 63.3 overs (Luis Reece 50, Blair Tickner 47, Aneurin Donald 44, James Coles 2-6, Ollie Robinson 2-65, Fynn Hudson-Prentice 2-65) & 109 off 26 overs (Jayden Seales 5-29, Danny Lamb 2-10)

Sussex 479 off 109.4 overs (Cheteshwar Pujara 113, James Coles 72, Tom Alsop 64, Tom Haines 58, Daryn Dupavillon 3-89, Jack Morley 3-117, Luis Reece 2-32)

Seales has, so far, taken 5-101 in 23 overs as Glamorgan have advanced to 411-9 off 102 overs, replying to Sussex’s 278 all out off 87.2 overs on day one.

Glamorgan’s batting effort was led by excellent centuries from Colin Ingram and Kiran Carlson.

Ingram led the way with a 248-ball 170 including 23 fours and three sixes while Carlson made 148 off 217 balls and hit 21 fours in the process.

Seales and Sussex will enter day three on Sunday trailing Glamorgan by 133 runs looking to dismiss them as quickly as possible.

Full scores:

Sussex278 off 87.2 overs (Fynn Hudson-Prentice 48, Cheteshwar Pujara 41, Jack Carson 39, Aristides Karvelas 39, Mir Hamza 4-70, James Harris 4-93)

Glamorgan 411-9 off 102 overs (Colin Ingram 170, Kiran Carlson 148, Jayden Seales 5-101)

Elsewhere, Jason Holder was one of three Worcestershire batsmen to make centuries as they piled up a massive 618-7 declared in their first innings against Kent on day two at the St. Lawrence Ground in Canterbury.

Holder made a brilliant 123* off just 110 balls including seven fours and three sixes while Gareth Roderick and Matthew Waite both also reached three figures with 117 and 100*, respectively. 

Adam Hose fell just ten runs short of a century himself.

Joey Evison and Matt Parkinson each ended with three wicket-hauls for Kent.

In reply, Kent reached 111-2 at stumps with Captain Daniel Bell-Drummond (54*0 and Jack Leaning (43*) at the crease.

Joe Leach has taken both wickets to fall so far.

Full scores: 

Worcestershire 617-8 dec. off 158.5 overs (Jason Holder 123*, Gareth Roderick 117, Matthew Waite 100*, Adam Hose 90, Joey Evison 3-58, Matt Parkinson 3-201)

Kent 111-2 off 33 overs (Daniel Bell-Drummond 54*, Jack Leaning 43*, Joe Leach 2-12)

McManus batted for an hour as four partners came and went and Northants crawled  to 170-9 before the umpires called an end to proceedings with Northants ahead by 63.

The loss of more than 100 overs eventually proved decisive but Sussex will have drawn a lot of encouragement after making most of the running, especially on the last two days. They took 15 points and Northants 13.

Having established a first-innings lead of 107, they reduced Northants to 57 for 4. Skipper Luke Procter (41) settled the nerves before left-arm spinner James Coles revived Sussex hopes with three of the four wickets that fell in 7.1 overs after tea that left them 152 for 8.

McManus and Ben Sanderson resisted for eight overs until the light improved sufficiently to enable Sussex skipper John Simpson to bring back his quicks Jayden Seales and Ollie Robinson for two overs each.

Robinson responded with an unplayable yorker to uproot Sanderson's middle stump, a fitting way to celebrate his 400th first-class wicket. Spinners Coles and Jack Carson returned but the light didn't improve and the players shook hands shortly after 6pm.

Sussex had declared their first innings on 478 for 9 after adding 127 in 20 overs to collect maximum batting points. Fynn Hudson-Prentice and Danny Lamb extended their seventh wicket stand to 99 from just 14.1 overs with Lamb contributing 41 before Chris Tremain held an excellent low catch at midwicket off Sanderson.

Hudson-Prentice, who made nine Championship fifties last season, demonstrated his effectiveness again with 73 from 60 balls and it took a clever piece of bowling by Tremain to remove him when he held one back and Hudson-Prentice drove to long-on.

Even the normally frugal Sanderson suffered when Carson hit him for three sixes in a lively 61 from 53 balls. Aiming to clear midwicket again he was bowled to give left-arm spinner Zaib his fourth wicket.

Robinson and Seales plundered 30 runs from ten balls before the declaration left Northants with four overs before lunch which they couldn't negotiate unscathed as Seales produced a lovely away-swinger which Justin Broad edged to third slip.

Sussex gained further encouragement with three wickets in ten overs after lunch. Emilio Gay (20) lost his off stump to give Seales his sixth wicket of the match and Karun Nair edged Robinson to third slip with Coles taking a superb catch low to his left.

George Bartlett drove off spinner Carson onto the roof of the South Stand only to perish two balls later before a stand of 73 between Procter and Rob Keogh steered Northants into calmer waters, for a while at least.

Coles added to his three first-innings wickets with three more after tea. Zaib was well caught at slip trying to guide the ball to third man; Keogh was lbw to a quicker ball for a well-made 55; and Michael Finan taken at second slip on the drive. Carson sparked the collapse when he went around the wicket to have Procter leg before as he aimed through midwicket.

Robinson finished with 2 for 19 from ten overs in three spells and bowled at a good pace throughout. He will have been pleased to get through 32 overs in what was only his second first-class match since July 2023.

Full Scores: Northamptonshire 371 (Luke Procter 92, Karun Nair 57, Jayden Seales 4-86) and 170 for 9 (Rob Keogh 55) drew with Sussex 478 for 9 declared (Tom Haines 133, James Coles 78, Fynn Hudson-Prentice 73, Jack Carson 61, Saif Zaib 4-84)