Leeward Islands Hurricanes Set to Face Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in 2026 Championship
Exciting Matches Ahead in the West Indies Championship
The 2026 West Indies Championship is set to kick off on Sunday, featuring three highly competitive matches between the Leeward Islands Hurricanes and the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in Antigua. The opening game will take place at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, where the Hurricanes will debut under the leadership of Barbadian all-rounder Justin Greaves, who is taking on the captaincy for the first time.
Justin Greaves Embraces Captaincy Role
At 32 years old, Greaves considers the captaincy a significant honor, having joined the franchise three years ago. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It’s a privilege to be chosen by the Leeward Islands to lead this season. I’m eager to take on this role and will rely on the support of the experienced players around me. I have always seen myself as a leader, and now I aim to lead by example."
Previous Encounters and Team Dynamics
In their last season's clash, the two teams played to a thrilling draw, accumulating over 1,100 runs. Joshua Da Silva scored centuries in both innings, while veteran Jason Mohammed contributed a double century. The Hurricanes responded with a remarkable opening partnership of double centuries from Mikyle Louis and Kadeem Henry, both of whom also scored centuries.
Both players are part of the 13-man squad, which includes Jewel Andrew, who scored a double century in a trial match, and Karima Gore, who also made a century in the lead-up matches. Greaves is confident that the squad is well-prepared to compete and deliver quality cricket throughout the series. He emphasized the importance of discipline and improvement in each game.
Red Force Aiming for Championship Glory
The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force last topped the Regional Four-Day Championship two decades ago and are eager to reclaim their position in 2026. They narrowly missed out last season after a setback against the Jamaica Scorpions, which impacted their title aspirations. Captain Joshua Da Silva highlighted the importance of starting strong, stating, "This year is about a fresh start, and we must maintain our momentum throughout the three matches."
He noted the team's balance, with experienced batsmen complemented by seasoned West Indies fast bowlers and effective spinners.
Evin Lewis Returns to First-Class Cricket
The Red Force will also benefit from the return of Evin Lewis, who is playing first-class cricket for the first time in nearly a decade. Da Silva remarked on Lewis's positive attitude and performance in training, expressing excitement about his contributions to the team both on and off the field.
Historically, the Hurricanes have had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning two of their last four matches, including two draws. However, Da Silva emphasized the need to focus on the present and execute their game plan effectively.
Upcoming Matches and Team Lineups
As the tournament approaches, both teams are gearing up for a fierce competition for the championship title.
Squads:
Leeward Islands Hurricanes: Justin Greaves (Captain), Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Rahkeem Cornwall, Daniel Doram, Nathan Edward, Karima Gore, Jahmar Hamilton, Kadeem Henry, Jeremiah Louis, Mikyle Louis, Kelvin Pitman, Oshane Thomas.
Trinidad & Tobago Red Force: Joshua Da Silva (Captain), Yannic Cariah, Bryan Charles, Cephas Cooper, Jyd Goolie, Terrence Hinds, Joshua James, Amir Jangoo, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.
Fixtures:
Match 1: April 12-15, 2026 - Leeward Islands Hurricanes vs Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua.
Match 2: April 19-22, 2026 - Leeward Islands Hurricanes vs Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua.
Match 3: April 26-29, 2026 - Leeward Islands Hurricanes vs Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at Antigua Recreation Ground, Antigua.