Crooks eyes top Youth WC batting spot

Top order batsman Jamaican Shahid Crooks has one main goal heading into the 11th staging of the International Cricket Council Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh to top the batting list for the West Indies, as well as the Under-19 tournament.

"My goal is to try and get a couple of centuries, and try and finish with the most runs for he team, and in tournament," said Crooks, who, along with members of the team, departed the Caribbean on Wednesday.

"It will not be easy, as there are a lot of talented batsmen in the tournament, but I am confident in my abilities."

Crooks, an attacking-minded batsman, is expected to be among the main players the regional side will be looking to set big totals.

He was successful as one of Jamaica's main batsmen at the regional Under-19 and Under-17 levels, and was called p to a West Indies Under-15 training camp in 2011.

"I feel overwhelmed at being selected as a part of the West Indies team," he said.

"I have, over the years, done well at the regional level, and it is just for me to continue".

The resident of Bluefields, Westmoreland, and student of many-time national high-school champions, St Elizabeth Technical, said he was always confident of making the 14-man squad.

"Ever since being called up for the training camp, I have had the mindset of making the team," he explained.

Crooks is one of three Jamaicans in the team along with fellow batsman, Michael Frew, and fast-bowling all-rounder, Odean Smith.

The West Indies have been drawn in Group C of the tournament along with England, Zimbabwe and Fiji.

The top two teams from the group will advance to the quarter-finals.

- J.L.