West Indies Championship Preview: Leeward Islands Hurricanes set to take on Trinidad and Tobago Red Force

Saint John's [Antigua and Barbuda], April 11 (ANI): Three fiercely contested matches are expected as the Leeward Islands Hurricanes take on the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in their bilateral series in Antigua when the 2026 West Indies Championship gets underway on Sunday.

The Coolidge Cricket Ground will host the opening match, where the Hurricanes will take the field under new leadership, with Barbadian all-rounder Justin Greaves captaining the side for the first time, according to a media release from the Cricket West Indies (CWI).

The 32-year-old Greaves views the responsibility bestowed upon him as a great honour, having made the switch to represent the franchise three years ago.

"Obviously, it is an honour to be entrusted by the people of the Leeward Islands to lead the team this season. I'm looking forward to it, and I'm sure I will get help from the senior guys around me. " Greaves said.

"Coming through the ranks, I always viewed myself as a leader, and now being given the responsibility of captain, I will look to lead from the front. "Last season's encounter between the two teams ended in a high-scoring draw, with over 1,100 runs scored.

Joshua Da Silva notched centuries in both innings, supporting a double century from veteran Jason Mohammed. The Hurricanes responded with a double-century opening partnership between Mikyle Louis and Kadeem Henry, who both registered centuries.

Both players return to the 13-man squad, which also includes Jewel Andrew, who cracked a double century in one of the trial matches, as well as Karima Gore, who found himself among the runs with a century in the preparation matches.

The composition of the squad gives Greaves confidence that the team is equipped to be competitive and play quality cricket for extended periods throughout the bilateral series.