WI coach, skipper hail Seales

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons and captain Kraigg Brathwaite believe the regional side has found a special talent in 19-year-old fast bowler Jayden Seales, who made his debut in the opening Test against South Africa in St Lucia.

Despite the home side coming out on the losing end, both coach and captain said Seales did more than enough to prove he merited a place in the Test side, following figures of 21 overs, six maidens and three wickets for 75 runs.

The Trinidadian had played just one first-class game before getting the nod in the opening Test, and coach Simmons was pleased with the effort shown by the former West Indies Under-19 player.

"I think for a 19-year-old making his debut in international cricket, especially in a Test, was exciting for the West Indies on a whole. I think it was an exceptional debut for someone at such a young age. We saw how he bowled with maturity and let's hope that this is the start of big things to come," said Simmons.

Had something special

Only former captain Jason Holder with four wickets outbowled Seales, and current captain Kraigg Brathwaite knew they had something special in their ranks from the time he toured with the team to New Zealand.

"The first time I saw him was in New Zealand, and I just knew he had a natural length," Brathwaite said. "Not all bowlers have that natural length, and he obviously swings the ball. So I was not surprised by his performance in this game, or for the future."

Pundits had questioned why the selectors had fast-tracked Seales into the Test side, with other fast bowlers with more experience, such as Chemar Holder and Keon Harding being overlooked.

But for Brathwaite, the performance and attitude showed by young Seales in the warm-up game and the nets proved that he was more than ready for the opportunity.

"At practice, the things he does with the ball and what he says to back it up is quite phenomenal and for sure he is one for the future, big time," added Brathwaite.

The West Indies and South Africa will lock horns in the second and final Test in St Lucia on Friday.